The US government has over $36 trillion in debt, with its bonds being a cornerstone of the global financial system. However, President Donald Trump’s recent comments on examining Treasury debt payments for possible fraud have raised concerns among investors.
Treasuries are widely held and used globally as financial reserves, benchmarking tools, and collateral for borrowing. Here’s a breakdown of US debt ownership:
**US Debt Ownership:**
– The Federal Reserve system holds $4.7 trillion
– Social Security and other US agencies hold $2.4 trillion
– Foreign investors hold $8.7 trillion
– US investors and other US holders hold $19.7 trillion
**Top Foreign Investors:**
– Japan: $1,099 billion
– China: $768.6 billion
– Britain: $765.6 billion
– Luxembourg: $424.5 billion
– Cayman Islands: $397 billion
– Canada: $374.4 billion
– Belgium: $361.3 billion
Foreign ownership data is compiled monthly by the US Treasury, but it may not provide an exact breakdown due to custody account discrepancies.
Note: The total US debt is $35.5 trillion and has been rising.
Source: https://www.reuters.com/markets/us/who-owns-us-debt-2025-02-10