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The Peter G. Peterson Foundation is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization focused on building a brighter economic future for all Americans. Browse our latest content and updates.

News

January 29, 2026

Voters Growing More Concerned About the National Debt

“The national debt is growing faster than ever, and voters understand that this is a major problem for America’s economic future,” said Michael A. Peterson.

January 23, 2026

The Six Largest Corporate Tax Expenditures

Relative to the size of the economy, the U.S. collects less revenues than many other advanced countries. Tax expenditures are a contributing reason.

January 22, 2026

What’s the Difference Between the Trade Deficit and Budget Deficit?

The terms “budget deficit” and “trade deficit” can be conflated, but they are distinct measurements of important fiscal and economic concepts.

January 22, 2026

Understanding the New Senior Deduction in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act

The senior deduction adds complexity to the tax code, and fewer than half of seniors will benefit from it.

January 21, 2026

The Federal Government Has Borrowed Trillions. Who Owns All that Debt?

Most federal debt is owed to domestic holders, but foreign ownership is much higher now than it was about 50 years ago.

January 14, 2026

What Are Estate and Gift Taxes and How Do They Work?

Estate and gift taxes produce relatively lower revenue compared to other sources, but they generate a significant amount of attention, and even controversy.

January 14, 2026

Budget Basics: How Does Social Security Work?

Social Security is the largest single program in the federal budget and typically makes up one-fifth of total federal spending.

January 14, 2026

10 of the Largest Tax Breaks Explained

Tax breaks totaled over $2.0 trillion in 2025. That’s more than the government spends on Social Security, defense, or Medicare and Medicaid.

January 14, 2026

8 Key Charts on Tax Breaks

The cost of tax breaks was greater than the size of the deficit in 2025.

January 7, 2026

2026 Begins with U.S. Fiscal Confidence Lower than a Year Ago

“As the new year begins, voters are understandably concerned about America’s fiscal direction,” said Michael A. Peterson.