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What other person? The US pays its debts. Or rather it's we young Americans who will be paying our grandparents' debts. But, you know. Nana was worth it.

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It pays the interest on the debt so far, hasn’t paid the debt back, and might not. The debt was for frivolous wars and tax cuts for the wealthy, not Nana.

Treasury bonds mature all the time, and they are paid.

"And might not" is not reflected by market expectations. But if you know more than Mr Market you can make a fortune shorting t bonds.

There is $40T outstanding. Not paid back. Believe what you want.

Literally every country, corporation and private citizen has debt on their balance sheet at all times.

Definitely not every citizen. Close to 1/4 of US citizens are completely debt free.

Does that include mortgage/car leasing?

yes

If you don't have a credit card, why?

I have a credit card but no balance due ever on it. 1/4 of americans do not have any debt, no card debt, no mortgage, no car loans…

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