The US national debt has grown by nearly $400 billion in the two months since reaching a record $40 trillion on August 19, now standing at nearly $40.4 trillion, per Treasury data analyzed by TASS.

Experts forecast debt will reach about 120% of GDP over the next decade, with annual interest payments near $970 billion, more than defense spending.

The Peterson Institute warns debt could hit $50 trillion in six years without reforms.