WASHINGTON (AP) – A White House budget official says the Obama administration expects the federal deficit over the next decade to be $2 trillion bigger than previously estimated.

The projection now is for a deficit of $9 trillion.

The new figure reflects a worse economic picture than expected earlier this year.

The official spoke on the condition of anonymity because new budget projections will not be announced until next week.

Ten-year forecasts are volatile figures subject to change over time. But the higher number will likely create political difficulties for President Barack Obama in Congress and could create anxiety with foreign buyers of U.S. debt.

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