As the nation embarks on 2026, a resounding message from the American electorate calls for a concentrated effort to address the nation's financial health. The latest January 2026 index by the Peter G. Peterson Foundation reveals a striking consensus among voters, with 82% urging for immediate congressional attention to the escalating $38 trillion national debt.
The foundation's fiscal confidence index, which aims to gauge public sentiment on the nation's fiscal outlook, has scored 51 out of 100, where 100 signifies a neutral stance. Compared to the previous year, this marks a six-point decrease, underscoring heightened voter apprehension regarding the country's fiscal path.
"The rapidly rising debt puts upward pressure on inflation and interest rates, driving up the cost of living and harming economic growth." – Michael A. Peterson, CEO of the Peterson Foundation
This growing concern arrives in the wake of a tumultuous fiscal year, which included the longest government shutdown recorded in history, the passage of an unprecedentedly large reconciliation bill, and the highest interest costs the nation has ever seen. These developments have thrust fiscal issues into the limelight as candidates prepare for the 2026 election cycle.
Fortune magazine highlighted remarks from Michael A. Peterson, CEO of the Peterson Foundation, who emphasized the tangible effects of the burgeoning debt on American households. He drew a direct correlation between the rising debt levels and increased living expenses, amplifying inflation and interest rates, which in turn hinder economic growth.
Peterson's insights signal a clear expectation for political candidates: economic stewardship is a crucial factor in the upcoming elections. He advocates for engaging the electorate with tangible, long-term strategies to stabilize the debt and thereby reinforce economic stability.
The survey also uncovers a significant bipartisan agreement on the urgency of debt reduction. A substantial 79% of voters believe curtailing the national debt should be among the top three priorities for both President Donald Trump and Congress. Support for debt reduction is particularly strong among Republican voters, with 89% deeming it a primary concern. Democrats and Independents echo this sentiment at 75% and 70%, respectively.
The Peterson Foundation's index measures voter sentiment across three critical dimensions: Concern, Priority, and Expectations, each holding equal weight in the final composite score. The December 2025 figures present a concerning portrait of public opinion. The Concern score registered at 49, reflecting profound unease about the trajectory of the national debt. The Priority score, at an alarmingly low 22, indicates a perception that elected officials are not adequately focusing on the issue. Conversely, the Expectations score hit 80, suggesting a prevailing skepticism that the debt situation will improve absent significant policy intervention.
This consensus on the national debt issue comes amidst a climate of fiscal instability and political anticipation, with Americans from all political backgrounds eager for effective governance and responsible fiscal policy.
