​Former US President Donald Trump on Wednesday asked Republican congressmen to initiate a debt default unless there are “significant” budget cuts, AFP reports.

“To the elected, to the senators, I say, if I don’t give you massive cuts, you’re going to have to call a default,” Donald Trump, the 2024 presidential candidate, launched into a debate with voters moderated by CNN.

Democrats and Republicans are at loggerheads over raising the U.S. debt, a legislative maneuver needed to keep the world’s largest economy paying its bills, officials and creditors.

Donald Trump estimated that a default would likely be avoided, predicting that Democrats would “give in” on the issue.

His Democratic successor, Joe Biden, has so far rejected the idea of ​​negotiating budget cuts, accusing Republicans in Congress of holding the economy “hostage.”

Without a vote in Congress, the United States could find itself in default this summer. According to the White House, such a situation would have catastrophic consequences for employment and economic growth, as well as destabilize global finances. (Agerpress)