Stand up for the facts!

Our only agenda is to publish the truth so you can be an informed participant in democracy.
We need your help.

More Info

I would like to contribute

$

Ten questions about the debt ceiling

By Louis Jacobson
October 13, 2013

For something that could have a profound effect on the nation’s economy, the debt ceiling is a pretty arcane topic. But not much longer! PolitiFact’s national staff looked at 10 questions and answers to shine some light on the subject. The questions include:

• So, what is this “debt ceiling”?

• What actually happens if we hit the debt ceiling?

• And, last but not least: How would ordinary Americans be hurt?

Click here to read the analysis.

Our Sources

See original story.

Browse the Truth-O-Meter

More by Louis Jacobson
Donald Trump
stated on June 23, 2026 in a speech in Macungie, Pennsylvania:
In the past 13 months, “The typical 401(k) … is up almost $30,000.”
Mostly False
Donald Trump
stated on May 31, 2026 in a Truth Social post:
Says his cognitive test results showed he has “extreme intelligence.”
False
Donald Trump
stated on May 7, 2026 in remarks to reporters:
Gasoline prices have “come down very substantially today.”
False
Donald Trump
stated on May 4, 2026 in a White House event:
“Consumer confidence is way up.”
False
Donald Trump
stated on April 23, 2026 in remarks at the White House:
“We are right now producing more oil than Saudi Arabia and Russia combined.”
Mostly True
Chris Wright
stated on April 19, 2026 in an interview on CNN's "State of the Union":
Solar and wind have not reached “3% of global energy.”
Half-True

Ten questions about the debt ceiling















Donald Trump
stated on June 23, 2026 in a speech in Macungie, Pennsylvania:

David Jolly
stated on June 11, 2026 in a speech: