ChatGPT said:
In the past 60 years (roughly 1965–2025), the U.S. federal government has run a budget surplus only 5 times.
Here’s the breakdown:
-
1969 – Surplus under President Lyndon B. Johnson
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1998 – Surplus under President Bill Clinton
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1999 – Surplus under Clinton
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2000 – Surplus under Clinton
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2001 – Surplus under Clinton (and the first few months of George W. Bush’s term)
Every other fiscal year from 1965 through 2025 has recorded a budget deficit — meaning federal spending exceeded revenue.
So:
✅ Surplus years: 5
❌ Deficit years: 55
