Affordability Concerns Persist as U.S. National Debt Exceeds $40 Trillion

Why it matters locally: The escalating national debt could influence federal spending decisions, potentially impacting Minnesota's key industries through changes in federal grants, contracts, or economic policies.

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WASHINGTON – A recent focus group indicated that affordability remains the leading concern for voters as the U.S. national debt surpassed $40 trillion. NBC News reported on the findings, which emerged from a collaboration between Syracuse University and research firms Engagious and Sago. Participants in the focus group discussed current economic conditions. Allie Canal and Sahil Kapur of NBC News addressed the debt milestone and the focus group's findings on *Meet the Press NOW*. Separately, Ravi Agrawal, editor in chief of Foreign Policy, commented on former President Trump's proposed "Economic D-Day" for Iran.