U.S. national debt surpasses $39 trillion, Buffett becomes the largest non-government investor

Jinse Finance reported on April 14th that, according to data released by the U.S. Department of the Treasury in March this year, the total U.S. federal debt exceeded $39 trillion for the first time. Of this, $31.4 trillion is public debt held by domestic and foreign investors, while $7.6 trillion is intragovernmental debt, mainly generated through programs such as Social Security.

Regarding public debt, domestic U.S. investors hold $17.7 trillion in Treasuries, nearly double the amount held by overseas investors ($9.3 trillion). Mutual funds and pension funds are the largest public holders, with a combined $6.6 trillion. The Federal Reserve holds $4.4 trillion in Treasuries, which is more than the combined holdings of the top three foreign creditor nations—Japan, the United Kingdom, and China.

In addition, Warren Buffett, through Berkshire Hathaway, holds U.S. Treasuries and is the largest non-government investor. As of the fourth quarter of 2025, the value of U.S. Treasuries held by Berkshire Hathaway reached as much as $339 billion. (Dongxin News Agency)