Federal Government Spending Surge: Alarming Trends in Q3 2024

🔶 Sharp Increase in Government Spending

Federal government spending rose by 9.7% in Q3 2024 compared to the previous quarter, marking the largest increase since Q1 2021. This increase pushed government expenditures to a record $5.04 trillion.

🔶 Defense Expenditures Lead the Surge

The surge in spending was fueled primarily by a 14.9% increase in defense expenditures, the largest jump in over two decades. Defense has become a major driver of recent government spending growth.

🔶 Long-Term Trend: Expenditures Up 30% Since 2020

Since 2020, government expenditures have increased by 30%. This trend reflects sustained fiscal expansion, with spending becoming a significant contributor to GDP growth.

🔶 Nine Consecutive Quarters of Contribution to GDP Growth

Federal spending has bolstered GDP growth for nine straight quarters, with Q3 2024 seeing the largest contribution in the past year. The government’s role in economic expansion has intensified, raising questions about sustainability.

🔶 Spending at Crisis Levels

The rise in government spending has led to a substantial fiscal deficit, with the U.S. budget deficit reaching $1.833 trillion for fiscal 2024—the third-largest in history. Additionally, interest payments on the national debt are set to exceed $1 trillion, surpassing even military spending.

Conclusion

With spending reaching unprecedented levels, the need for fiscal management is critical to ensure long-term economic stability.