In what some are calling a symbolic Hail Mary, the U.S. government is now accepting donations via Venmo and PayPal to help chip away at its colossal $36.7 trillion national debt.
Through the official Pay.gov website, patriotic (or just very generous) citizens can now voluntarily donate money using debit cards, bank accounts, PayPal, and the newly added Venmo option.
Despite the expanded convenience, critics say the effort is more performative than practical.
To put things in perspective: In 2023, citizens donated roughly $1 million. In 2024, that rose to about $2.7 million. As of May 2025, donations have totaled only $434,000.
These well-meaning contributions are, unfortunately, a drop in a bottomless fiscal ocean, considering the debt grows by tens of thousands of dollars every second.
Public reaction has been mixed — and a little cheeky. While some praise the initiative as a creative civic engagement tool, others are venting online, asking:
“Aren’t we already paying taxes?”
“Next they’ll be sending us GoFundMe links for the Pentagon.”
On social media, users have turned the move into meme fodder, portraying Uncle Sam holding out a phone with a “$5 for gas?” request. Still, the Treasury insists that every dollar helps, no matter how small.
Whether seen as a noble gesture or a national budgeting meme, the program remains open — so if you’re feeling fiscally patriotic, yes, you can now Venmo the U.S. Treasury.
Written by Nzomo Joyce
