First is via taxes, second is the Treasury just prints the money, third way is borrowing the money.First way:There are roughly 252 million "adults" in the US (those age 18 and up). 

A democracy will continue to exist up until the time that the voters discover that they can vote themselves generous gifts from the public treasury.

The government is also in debt to citizens who buy treasury bonds so actually the government works for the citizens and China, but anyone who owns property works for the government and anyone who pays taxes works for the government.

This is even after raising rents earlier this year by 10%.In 2012 I was getting ~8%In 2014 ~7%In 2016 ~6%In 2018 ~5%In 2020 ~5%In 2022 ~4%With Treasury rates over 3% and rising it may not be long before I have to reconsider my wealth allocation.

If the Chinese (or Japanese) have their faith shaken in the dollar they will quit propping it up (buying US treasuries).

Let's assume you bought a 10 year treasury bond that is earning 3%.

Stock market is up 20+% ( I didn't see this coming and did not invest here), TBT is up 30% (2x short the treasury bond since May 2012) ( I did see this coming) Single Family homes in my area is up 20% ( did see this coming and invested here).

Had to wait for the treasury department to issue each revisement to the banks.

The Treasury Regulations only require that the taxpayer have the intent to hold the property for rental, investment or business use. 

China, but the way is the largest holder of US treasury bonds.