"The sharp decline in confidence follows a year of unprecedented fiscal turbulence. The foundation notes that 2025 witnessed the "longest government shutdown in history," the "most expensive reconciliation bill," and the "highest interest costs ever." These events appear to have crystallized voter opinion, pushing the debt crisis to the forefront of the national conversation as the 2026 election cycle begins."
"As the United States enters 2026, the national mood regarding the country's balance sheet is sour. Following a tumultuous 2025, marked by historic government shutdowns and record spending, a new report indicates that the vast majority of the electorate is demanding immediate legislative attention to the nation's financial health-and, in particular, its $38 trillion national debt. According to the January 2026 index sponsored by the nonpartisan Peter G. Peterson Foundation,"
Voters overwhelmingly want immediate legislative focus on the national debt and budget outlook as 2026 begins. The January 2026 index from the Peter G. Peterson Foundation shows 82% of voters agree lawmakers must spend more time addressing the national debt, and the index score fell to 51, six points lower than January 2025. The national debt stands at $38 trillion. A tumultuous 2025—including the longest government shutdown, the most expensive reconciliation bill, and record interest costs—intensified public concern. Rising debt pressures inflation and interest rates, increasing living costs and harming economic growth, prompting calls for candidate solutions.
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