The National Debt Increased The Most Under These US Presidents

6. Jimmy Carter (in office from 1977-1981)
> Compound annual growth rate for years in office: 9.3% ($74.8 billion)
> Overall change in national debt during presidency: +42.8% (+$299.0 billion)
> Total federal debt first year in office: $698.8 billion (33.6% of GDP)
> Total federal debt final year in office: $997.9 billion (31.1% of GDP)
> Party affiliation: Democratic

5. George W. Bush (in office from 2001-2009)
> Compound annual growth rate for years in office: 9.4% ($762.8 billion)
> Overall change in national debt during presidency: +105.1% (+$6.1 trillion)
> Total federal debt first year in office: $5.8 trillion (54.9% of GDP)
> Total federal debt final year in office: $11.9 trillion (82.3% of GDP)
> Party affiliation: Republican

4. George H. W. Bush (in office from 1989-1993)
> Compound annual growth rate for years in office: 11.5% ($388.5 billion)
> Overall change in national debt during presidency: +54.4% (+$1.6 trillion)
> Total federal debt first year in office: $2.9 trillion (50.6% of GDP)
> Total federal debt final year in office: $4.4 trillion (64.3% of GDP)
> Party affiliation: Republican

3. Gerald Ford (in office from 1974-1977)
> Compound annual growth rate for years in office: 13.7% ($74.6 billion)
> Overall change in national debt during presidency: +47.1% (+$223.8 billion)
> Total federal debt first year in office: $475.1 billion (30.7% of GDP)
> Total federal debt final year in office: $698.8 billion (33.6% of GDP)
> Party affiliation: Republican

2. Ronald Reagan (in office from 1981-1989)
> Compound annual growth rate for years in office: 14.1% ($232.4 billion)
> Overall change in national debt during presidency: +186.4% (+$1.9 trillion)
> Total federal debt first year in office: $997.9 billion (31.1% of GDP)
> Total federal debt final year in office: $2.9 trillion (50.6% of GDP)
> Party affiliation: Republican