America’s $130 Trillion Safety Net Economy
11th November 2025
For decades, the U.S. government has worked relentlessly to smooth out the business cycle — determined to prevent recessions at almost any cost.
Through massive fiscal spending, easy credit, and sweeping guarantees, Washington props up the economy whenever trouble looms. This interventionist reflex has turned downturns — once a natural part of capitalism’s rhythm — into rare, almost extinct events.
Behind that stability, however, lies a staggering financial risk. The federal government now carries over $130 trillion in contingent liabilities — future promises and guarantees that don’t appear on the official balance sheet.