Executive Summary
The episode dives into the pressing issue of the U.S. government’s staggering debt accumulation and the potential role of the proposed Department of Governmental Efficiency (DOGE) under Trump. Can federal spending be reduced far enough and fast enough to evade a fiscal and monetary trainwreck?
Unsustainable debt growth across the entire economy, as a whole, remains a huge issue. But getting out-of-control federal deficits under control is the vital first step.
Further, we have to discuss the glaring and obvious gap between the reported deficit and the growth in public debt. In theory, these should closely match, especially over time. Instead, we find a $1 trillion gap between the reported deficit ($4T) and the growth in debt ($5T) between Jan-22 and Sept-24. Is it possible that the government has been hiding some expenditures from the public view that are ‘in the interest of national security?’
Finally, Peak Oil. It’s Back in our frame. At least for the US beginning in 2025, and lasting, well, forever, until or unless oil goes up significantly in price to spur more drilling activity. But that’s running headlong into Peak Debt, as expected.
The Staggering Debt Accumulation
The U.S. government’s debt has reached an astonishing $36 trillion, with $12 trillion added since 2020 alone. This rapid accumulation raises urgent questions about sustainability and the potential for economic disaster. The debt growth is outpacing the economy, creating a math problem that cannot continue indefinitely.
by sand_puppy 
