US officials are urging calm over growing concerns about a potential default. However, their reassurances sound familiar, leading some to question whether such optimism is meant to soothe or distract.
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent sought to strike a confident tone, stating that although the department is on a troubling path, the United States will "never default." These are bold words indeed, prompting many to recall the adage, "Never say never."
According to Bessent, the Treasury is nearing the limit of its borrowing capacity under the current federal debt ceiling. Still, he emphasized that he is closely monitoring the situation and will notify Congress when the department approaches what he calls the "X-date," the point at which the government will be unable to meet all of its obligations.
Despite mounting tensions, Bessent reiterated that the US government would neither default nor resort to "gimmicks" to get around the debt limit.
Earlier, in April, Bessent expressed concern about the ballooning national debt but reassured that a default was not imminent. Yet, many analysts remain unconvinced. Forecasts now indicate a real risk of default by mid-July 2025 unless Congress acts to raise the debt ceiling.
