The US government debt exceeded 38 billion dollars on January 3, 2026, according to the Treasury’s track record. That new milestone was reached as some in the cryptocurrency community observed Genesis Day, the anniversary of Bitcoin’s first block. Reports note that the timing has attracted attention because it highlights the difference between public lending and Bitcoin’s fixed supply.
Credit Hits New Highs
According to Treasury figures, the total national debt rose to more than $38 trillion on January 3. The increase has been sharp over the past two years, from about $34 trillion in early 2024 to about $36 trillion in late 2024, and then to $38.5 trillion in late 2025.
Analysts have calculated that the debt is rising by nearly $6 billion a day recently, a pace that is pushing interest rates higher and reducing options for future budgets. Another increase comes from persistent budget deficits where spending exceeds revenue.
On January 3, 2009, the Bitcoin network launched the mining of its first block, known as the Genesis Block.
Embedded in that block was an article from @TheTimes newspaper:
“The chancellor is on the sidelines of the second bailout of the banks.”
The message permanently cements the origin of Bitcoin… pic.twitter.com/hGozJOYd3I
– Bitcoin Policy UK (@bitcoinpolicyuk) January 3, 2026
Drivers After Surgery
According to the market report, several factors are responsible for the jump: continued annual deficits, rising interest payments on existing debt, and large spending bills passed in recent sessions of Congress.
Public debt and amounts owed on federal trust funds together make up the subject amount. Economists warn that as the debt grows relative to the economy, more taxpayer dollars will be needed just to pay the interest, which could put other priorities on hold.
A dashboard showing the US government debt, now over $38 trillion and climbing. Source: US Debt Clock
The Bitcoin Community Responds
On January 3, many Bitcoin fans mark Genesis Day, a day they consider symbolic of the financial revolution when the first Bitcoin block was mined in 2009. Some users have posted about the difference between the ever-increasing national debt and Bitcoin’s 21 million coin supply.
Others used the memorial to raise broader questions about monetary policy and the money supply. The reaction was mixed; some see it as a warning, others see it as a moment to remember.
Investors and analysts weighed in on the outcome. Part of the market treats rare assets like Bitcoin and gold as hedges against what they see as serious credit risks.
At the same time, mainstream economists warn that large and persistent deficits could raise borrowing costs and slow growth over time. Treasury officials closely monitor cash needs and sometimes adjust borrowing schedules to close gaps between receipts and outflows.
Featured image from Unsplash, chart from TradingView
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