Fresh economic data from the United States have renewed attention on the country’s rising $38 trillion debt burden as jobless claims fell sharply and the trade deficit widened. The combination of stronger labor signals and weaker trade numbers comes during a period of higher federal borrowing needs and ongoing debate about the long-term fiscal path. These discussions now intersect with new questions about digital assets, federal Bitcoin holdings, and whether future administrations could consider alternative tools to manage financial risk. Initial jobless claims dropped to 206,000 during the week ending February 14. The figure came in well below expectations and marked the lowest reading of 2026. The previous week’s number was also revised higher, giving the decline added weight. The data suggest that layoffs remain limited even as the broader labor market cools. Continuing claims rose to 1.869 million, however, which signals slower hiring despite fewer job cuts. At the same time, the United States recorded a much larger trade deficit. December’s trade balance posted a gap of $98.5 billion, far wider than the expected $86 billion. The increase reflects strong import demand and weaker export activity. A wider trade deficit adds pressure to federal borrowing because it increases the flow of dollars abroad and raises the need for foreign capital to support government debt issuance. US Debt Outlook and Federal Budget Pressure The latest Congressional Budget Office projections estimate that US public debt could climb to $64 trillion by 2036. Debt is increasing by about $2.4 trillion per year from current levels. Interest payments are also rising and may soon exceed major categories of federal spending. Analysts warn that debt-to-GDP levels near 120 percent could strain fiscal flexibility during future downturns. Source: CBO These concerns grew after Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent gave remarks that drew attention to federal asset management and cryptocurrency seizures. Senator Elizabeth Warren raised questions about whether any seized Bitcoin could be used in policy decisions, backing BlackRock CEO forecasts. However, Treasury Secretary Bessent did not issue a direct rejection, saying that the government retains seized Bitcoin. On-chain data from Arkham shows the federal government holds about 328,372 BTC, valued near $22 billion at current prices. Market observers noted that this holding has moved in value as Bitcoin fell under $66,000 following the jobless claims report. The government’s position was once worth far more during the 2025 peak when Bitcoin traded above $125,000. The stash remains one of the largest controlled by any sovereign entity. Donations Program Draws New Attention A viral social media claim suggested the government had started asking the public to donate money to pay down the national debt. The claim referenced the “Donations to the U.S.” page on Pay.gov. The Treasury confirmed that the program is real but clarified that it is not new, having existed since 1843. Recent attention was driven by screenshots circulating online. Treasury officials emphasized that the amounts collected are small and do not materially affect total federal debt. However, the renewed focus highlighted public concern about rising borrowing levels. Social media debates linked the donations program to the wider debt outlook. Some users contrasted the voluntary donation system with the government’s Bitcoin holdings, suggesting that policymakers may begin to consider the role of digital assets in future frameworks. US Fed Policy and Political Debate Minutes from the Federal Reserve’s January meeting showed little urgency to restart rate cuts. Several officials even raised the possibility of future rate hikes if inflation does not cool. The Fed’s stance supports a higher-for-longer policy rate environment, which raises federal interest expenses and compounds debt pressures. Political commentary added another layer. Some analysts, like Lark Davis, argue that Bitcoin’s fixed supply could make it a hedge against long-term currency dilution. Supporters in the Trump political orbit have suggested that digital assets may become part of future economic discussions. However, analysts note that no official plan exists linking Bitcoin to debt policy, but interest from advisers has kept the idea in public conversation. Moreover, if the Bitcoin price were to move toward the $1,000,000 price level referenced by Eric Trump, the valuation of the reserve would change dramatically. At that price, the U.S. government’s Bitcoin stockpile would be worth more than $328 billion, a huge assist in the rising US debt.
