The U.S. government's spending dramatically increased between 2019 and 2020, and over the course of the subsequent three years, it gradually decreased, fiscal data from the U.S. Treasury shows.

The government would go from having about 2,142,000 employees in 2024 to about 2,028,000 in 2026. That figure reflects full-time employment, even if one job is done by two part-timers.

Note: Chart excludes debt the federal government owes itself. Source: Congressional Budget Office By The New York Times For years, many economists downplayed concerns about the debt.