F inancial ratings firm Moody’s Ratings downgraded the U.S. government’s credit ratings Friday, citing its rising debt and interest in a move that underscores a ballo

Moody’s Ratings slashed the United States’ credit rating down a notch to Aa1 from the highest triple A on Friday, citing the budgetary burden the government faces amid high interest rates.

The downgrade follows a change in the outlook on the sovereign in 2023 due to wider fiscal deficit and higher interest payments, and comes as Congress debates tax and spending plans that could deepen the fiscal hole.