The latest reading, $1,280 billion for Q2 2026, was up $27 billion from the previous quarter, the highest in the 14 years shown. A year earlier it was $1,197 billion.
About this data
Interest paid by the federal government, seasonally adjusted at an annual rate, from BEA's national accounts, via FRED.
What it measures
What the federal government pays in interest on its debt, at an annual rate, as recorded in the national income and product accounts.
Why it matters
Interest has become one of the fastest-growing parts of the budget as the debt grew and rates rose after 2022. Every dollar spent on interest is a dollar not available for other priorities, and these costs rise automatically when debt is refinanced at higher rates.
gov.house refreshes this page automatically from the official source twice a day. Figures are shown as published; recent values can be revised by the source agency.
Latest values
| Date | Federal interest payments |
|---|---|
| Q2 2026 | 1,280 |
| Q1 2026 | 1,253 |
| Q4 2025 | 1,265 |
| Q3 2025 | 1,238 |
| Q2 2025 | 1,197 |
| Q1 2025 | 1,170 |
| Q4 2024 | 1,166 |
| Q3 2024 | 1,145 |
| Q2 2024 | 1,096 |
| Q1 2024 | 1,063 |
| Q4 2023 | 1,027 |
| Q3 2023 | 965 |