Have long-term debt obligations been estimated to total close to $100 trillion?

YES. The US's federal debt held by the public, the amount owned to bondholders, was $31 trillion in Q4 2025, but this does not account for implicit obligations for future welfare payment responsibilities.

For example, additional revenue will be needed to preserve the benefits of the Social Security Administration's trust fund. It is expected to run out in the 2030s, dampening benefits, unless changes are made to its revenues or payments.

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