Why Americans Are Suddenly Searching “National Debt”

Why Americans Are Suddenly Searching “National Debt”

With William Glass,

Policy Director, In the Black, Podcast Host

In this episode of Gross Domestic Problem, William Glass explores why more Americans are searching for information about the national debt, even as few cite it as a top concern. He connects rising Treasury yields and government borrowing to mortgage rates, business costs, inflation, and everyday affordability, and considers how AI search tools may help people see those connections. The key takeaway: market pressures could be raising awareness of the debt before Washington acts, but Treasury measures that soften the signals may delay the fiscal choices needed to address it.

Key topics in today’s conversation include:

The National Debt Suddenly Gets More Attention (0:41)

Public Concern Versus Unprompted Priorities (3:39)
What Past Debt-Awareness Spikes Had in Common (6:102)
How the Debt Affects Everyday Affordability (9:21)
Treasury Yields, Mortgage Rates, and Inflation (12:18)
AI Search Helps Connect the Economic Dots (16:13)
Why Investors Demand Higher Yields (20:07)
Borrowing More to Pay for Rising Interest Costs (23:10)
Treasury Buybacks and Short-Term Debt (24:52)
The Risk of Muting Market Signals (28:01)
Washington’s Deficit-Spending Consensus (30:17)
Could Public Awareness Spur Fiscal Responsibility? (31:52)

Gross Domestic Problem is a podcast from Millennial Debt Foundation focusing on America’s biggest financial crisis. Each episode, we break down how we got here, what happens if we don’t act, and the least painful way forward. There’s no do-nothing solution. Subscribe now at grossdomesticproblem.com and join the conversation.

About the Show

William Glass

William Glass is a leader in the national conversation on fiscal responsibility, serving as a key voice for the Millennial Debt Foundation. As a passionate advocate for responsible government spending and debt reduction, William works to engage policymakers, young professionals, and thought leaders in addressing America’s growing national debt crisis. Through his work with the Foundation, he champions bipartisan solutions and fosters meaningful dialogue on the economic challenges facing future generations. William brings a fresh perspective to fiscal policy, emphasizing the importance of long-term financial stability and responsible governance.

The Millennial Debt Foundation was launched in mid-2019 by Tennessean Weston Wamp and other millennial entrepreneurs to lead a generational conversation about fiscal stewardship, the role of the federal government and America’s deficit spending crisis. Inspired by the work of our early advisor, the late U.S. Senator Tom Coburn, M.D., the Foundation’s first major project was the Millennial Debt Commission. The business-led Commission is made up of 20 millennial business leaders from across the country working towards a framework for long-term deficit reduction and stabilization of the national debt. The business leaders have been advised by a cohort of current and former members of Congress, leading economists and policy experts. MDF is a nonpartisan, Tennessee-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit funded by individual donors, the Lynde and Harry Bradley Foundation, and Arnold Ventures.

Learn More at millennialdebt.org