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Despite a strong economy, the federal deficit continues to grow

This is despite a revenue boost from President Trump’s tariffs on imports.

An October 18, 2018 photo shows the seal of the US Treasury in Washington, DC.
An October 18, 2018 photo shows the seal of the US Treasury in Washington, DC.
MANDEL NGAN/AFP/Getty Images

A growing economy typically means shrinking deficits, but a new report from the U.S. Treasury Department shows the government spent $740 billion more than it took in from October to May — almost the entire federal deficit of the previous budget year.

Last month’s deficit looks even worse than it would due to a timing quirk: June 1 fell on a Saturday, so more benefits were paid in May. But experts say tax cuts in 2017 and increased spending have contributed to an unprecedented fiscal gap over the past eight months.

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