Welcome to an insightful conversation on the critical topic of government spending and fiscal responsibility in the United States. Today, we’re joined by Donald Gainsborough, a political savant and leader in policy and legislation, who heads Government Curated. With his deep expertise in navigating the complexities of federal budgets and national debt, Donald offers a unique perspective on why controlling government spending is more urgent than ever, the challenges in making meaningful cuts, and the broader implications for our country’s future.
How did you first become passionate about tackling the issue of government spending, and why do you think it’s such a critical concern today?
I’ve always been fascinated by how policy shapes our lives, and over the years, working in legislation, I’ve seen firsthand how unchecked spending can spiral into long-term problems. Today, with the U.S. government spending nearly $7 trillion in the last fiscal year, we’re at a tipping point. That number isn’t just a statistic—it represents a burden on future generations through growing national debt. We’re in a situation where tough choices are necessary to ensure economic stability, and I believe it’s our responsibility to address this now before it becomes unmanageable.
What are some of the biggest hurdles in getting a grip on federal spending, especially when the numbers are so staggering?
One of the biggest hurdles is simply the scale of it all. Most people can’t visualize $7 trillion—it’s an abstract figure. You can cut billions and it still feels like a drop in the bucket. Beyond that, the U.S. government is incredibly complex, with countless programs and agencies, each with its own purpose. Many of these expenditures are tied to essential services that people rely on, so even when there’s a call for cuts, deciding where to start is a political and practical minefield. It’s not just about numbers; it’s about balancing needs with fiscal reality.
A lot of federal spending seems untouchable. Can you explain why programs like Social Security and Medicare are so difficult to reform?
Absolutely. Social Security and Medicare alone account for a huge chunk of the budget—over a third when you combine them. These programs are essentially sacred cows because they directly impact millions of Americans, especially retirees who’ve paid into them their whole lives. Any suggestion of cuts is met with fierce resistance, and politically, it’s a risky move for elected officials. Plus, with an aging population, the demand for these services is only growing, which makes reform even more challenging without a clear alternative that ensures people’s security.
Foreign aid often gets flagged as an easy area to cut, but it’s a tiny fraction of the budget. What’s your perspective on its role and the misconceptions around it?
It’s true that foreign aid is less than 1% of federal spending, yet many Americans believe it’s a much larger portion. I think this misconception comes from the visibility of international crises and aid announcements—it sticks in people’s minds. But foreign aid isn’t just charity; it’s a strategic tool for U.S. foreign policy. It builds alliances, combats global issues like hunger and disease, and often prevents larger costs down the line, like military interventions. Cutting it might save a little, but the ripple effects on our global standing could be far more costly.
Interest on the national debt has become a major expense. Can you walk us through why this is such a growing concern?
Interest on the national debt is a silent crisis that’s getting louder. For years, it was downplayed because borrowing costs were low, but as the debt has ballooned and interest rates have risen, we’re now spending more on interest than on major programs like Medicare or defense. This is money that’s not going to infrastructure, education, or healthcare—it’s just servicing past borrowing. If we don’t address the underlying debt, this line item will keep crowding out other priorities, leaving us with less flexibility to respond to future needs.
Looking back, spending has increased significantly since the early 2000s. What do you see as the main drivers behind this trend?
Several factors have fueled this rise. The wars in Iraq and Afghanistan were massive contributors, costing trillions over two decades. Then there’s the aging Baby Boomer generation, which has driven up costs for Social Security and Medicare as more people retire. The COVID-19 pandemic also led to unprecedented emergency spending, some of which has lingered beyond the crisis. These events, combined with policy choices like tax cuts that reduced revenue, have created a perfect storm where spending keeps outpacing what we bring in.
What is your forecast for the future of government spending and the national debt if current trends continue?
If we stay on this trajectory, I’m deeply concerned about the sustainability of our fiscal situation. The growing debt and rising interest costs could limit our ability to invest in critical areas like infrastructure or education, while also making us vulnerable to economic shocks. Without meaningful reforms—whether through spending controls, revenue increases, or both—we risk passing an enormous burden to future generations. I think we’re at a crossroads where bold, bipartisan action is needed to change course, and I hope we see that urgency reflected in Congress soon.
