Where Does Federal Money Go? National Debt Explained, Part 2

October 13, 2026 • 00:01:54
Where Does Federal Money Go? National Debt Explained, Part 2
The Knowledge
Where Does Federal Money Go? National Debt Explained, Part 2

Oct 13 2026 | 00:01:54

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Show Notes

The Knowledge Series by STM Daily News

Every question has a story.

Welcome to The Knowledge Series, where curiosity meets context. In each episode, we explore the fascinating people, places, discoveries, inventions, and events that have shaped our world. From forgotten pioneers and historical milestones to science, technology, transportation, culture, and everyday mysteries, we go beyond the headlines to explain not just what happened—but why it matters.

Whether you're a lifelong learner or simply curious about the world around you, you're in the right place.

What does the federal government spend money on—and what costs the most? In this short episode of The Knowledge from STM Daily News, we explore Social Security, health care, defense, public services, and interest on federal debt.

Using fiscal year 2025 figures from the Congressional Budget Office, we explain why Social Security was the largest individual program, why combined major health care spending was greater, and how the gap between spending and revenue leads to borrowing.

Listen, follow the podcast, and explore more at STM Daily News.

Podcast Episode Title:
Where Does Federal Money Go? National Debt Explained, Part 2

Episode Description:
What does the federal government spend money on—and what costs the most? In this short episode of The Knowledge from STM Daily News, we explore Social Security, health care, defense, public services, and interest on federal debt.

Using fiscal year 2025 figures from the Congressional Budget Office, we explain why Social Security was the largest individual program, why combined major health care spending was greater, and how the gap between spending and revenue leads to borrowing.

Listen, follow the podcast, and explore more at STM Daily News.

Short Promotional Description — under 90 characters:
Where does federal money go? The Knowledge explores America’s biggest budget costs.

Hashtags:
#NationalDebt #FederalBudget #GovernmentSpending #TheKnowledge #STMDailyNews

Tags:
national debt, federal spending, federal budget, government spending explained, Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, defense spending, debt interest, budget deficit, economics explained, The Knowledge, STM Daily News Podcast

Episode Sources:
CBO Federal Budget Overview · Mandatory Spending · Discretionary Spending

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Episode Transcript

[00:00:10] Speaker A: When discussing debt, ask who borrowed the money. The national debt belongs to the federal government. So what does that government spend money on? Welcome to the knowledge from STM Daily News. Using fiscal year 2025 figures from the Congressional Budget Office, Social Security was the largest individual at about $1.6 trillion. It pays retirement, survivor and disability benefits. But combine the major healthcare programs, including Medicare and Medicaid, and the total reaches about $1.8 trillion more than Social Security alone. Defense is another major expense. Discretionary defense spending was about $893 billion. Meanwhile, net interest on the federal debt reached $970 billion more than discretionary defense spending. The government also funds veterans care, roads, education, housing assistance, disaster response, courts, and scientific research. But spending and debt aren't the same thing. Taxes and other revenue pay for much of this. In 2025, the government spent roughly $7 trillion and and collected 5.2 trillion. The remaining gap was the deficit, which required borrowing. To understand national debt, look at both sideswhat the government spends and what it collects. For more explanations behind the headlines, visit stmdailynews.com [00:01:45] Speaker B: Discover the people, ideas, and stories that shape our world. Explore the [email protected].
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