U.S. Treasury Prepares $1 Trillion Debt Issuance Amid Fiscal Expansion
The U.S. Treasury is poised to unleash up to $1 trillion in new debt during the second half of 2025, a deluge expected to hit markets shortly after resolution of the federal debt ceiling standoff. The issuance—primarily in short-term Treasury bills—will test market appetite as unprecedented volume collides with tightening liquidity conditions.
Fiscal pressures are mounting as former President Trump's tax-and-spending package advances through Congress. The Congressional Budget Office projects the legislation will balloon deficits by $2.8 trillion over the coming decade, forcing additional Treasury issuance to bridge the gap. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent indicated a Senate vote could occur as early as Friday, with the "X-date" debt ceiling deadline looming in late summer.
When the borrowing cap is lifted, the Treasury Department will resume large-scale debt sales. This comes as monetary policy remains restrictive, creating potential friction between fiscal and monetary objectives. The bill's short-term economic stimulus may prove pyrrhic—the long-term consequences include structural deficits and compounding debt service requirements.