Amid a federal government shutdown, the United States’ gross national debt has surpassed $38 trillion for the first time, according to the latest Treasury Department report.

The U.S. government’s gross national debt has surpassed $37 trillion, a record number that highlights the accelerating debt on America’s balance sheet and increased cost pressures on taxpayers.

US billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk has sounded the alarm over the country's mounting financial troubles, warning that America is rapidly heading toward a state of "de facto bankruptcy".

Russia has written off approximately $20 billion in debt owed by African countries, with the funds now being allocated to a refinancing program aimed at supporting development projects, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov has announced.

Billionaire and entrepreneur Elon Musk took to X on Friday to criticize the United States' current government spending plans.