> Most explanations I've seen boil down to to "The US (or any other sovereign nation with control over their own currency) can print their way out of debt, it's literally impossible for the US to default."
Its impossible for the US to be forced to default.
Its quite possible for the US to make a political choice to default, and it has come very close to doing so.
Also, not only is it possible, but many countries have in fact chosen to default on debt denominated in their own currency, rather than subject their citizens to wild inflation and/or break norms around reserve bank independence. So, it could happen even if US is not forced to, I agree.
Its impossible for the US to be forced to default.
Its quite possible for the US to make a political choice to default, and it has come very close to doing so.