US Posts Record $145 Billion Budget Deficit for December 2025
The United States recorded a $145 billion budget deficit in December 2025, marking the largest monthly deficit for that month. This increase was driven by record government spending and calendar-shifted benefit payments, while tariff revenue growth showed signs of plateauing.
Insights:
The U.S. government reported a staggering $145 billion budget deficit for December 2025, a record monthly figure for the month, as revealed by the U.S. Treasury Department. This represents a 67% increase, or $58 billion, from December 2024. The deficit was primarily driven by record government outlays and the shifting of approximately $32 billion in January 2026 benefit payments into December due to the new year beginning on a weekend. Adjusting for this calendar shift, the deficit would have been $112 billion, an 11% decrease from the previous December.
