The federal Government of the United States began a new partial shutdown after midnight on Wednesday, October 1, 2025, following the collapse of negotiations between Republicans and Democrats over the national budget.

The suspension impacts hundreds of thousands of federal employees and revives memories of the country’s longest shutdown nearly seven years ago. 

President Donald Trump was unable to secure an agreement with Congress amid escalating tensions that highlight deep political polarization. Lawmakers had until midnight on September 30, the end of the fiscal year, to pass a funding package to prevent the so-called shutdown.

Thanks to Donald Trump and Republicans, the government has shut down.

Here's what happens now. pic.twitter.com/SDGFhXZtFv

— Adam Schiff (@SenAdamSchiff) October 1, 2025

However, both parties’ proposals were rejected in the Senate, resulting in the suspension of several federal agencies’ activities. 

According to the White House, essential services such as law enforcement, the military, airports, and Social Security will continue to operate. Nevertheless, employees in these sectors will not be paid until lawmakers reach a deal.

The immediate impact is being felt by tens of thousands of workers in health, education, environmental, and cultural departments, who have been ordered to stop their work indefinitely. 

Trump: a new chapter in government

The main dispute lies in healthcare funding. Democrats demand the renewal of subsidies under the Obamacare program, as well as the removal of cuts included in the major tax and budget law championed by Donald Trump during his first term.

Republicans, however, insist these changes can only be negotiated once the spending package is approved. 

The memory of the prolonged 2018–2019 shutdown remains strong. That conflict lasted 35 days, disrupting U.S. airports after ten air traffic controllers called in sick, forcing the temporary suspension of operations at New York’s LaGuardia Airport and causing delays across the northeast and southeast.

The chaos ultimately pushed lawmakers from both parties to reach an agreement to end the standoff. Analysts warn that the length of the current shutdown will depend on social and economic pressure.

While financial markets have so far reacted calmly, concerns remain that a prolonged deadlock could undermine confidence in the ability of the Government of the United States to manage affairs effectively. For now, the budget impasse ushers in a new chapter of political uncertainty under Trump’s presidency.