The United States government has officially shut down after senators failed to pass a last-minute funding bill, marking the first shutdown since 2018. The deadlock will suspend many—though not all—federal services, leaving essential operations intact but forcing thousands of government employees onto unpaid leave.
President Donald Trump escalated tensions earlier by warning of “irreversible” mass firings of federal workers if the shutdown proceeded. Despite the threat, political gridlock prevailed in Washington. Essential workers, including military and security staff, will continue their duties, though many without immediate pay, while countless civil servants face financial uncertainty.
Global financial markets have so far remained calm, treating the shutdown as a temporary political disruption rather than a long-term economic crisis. However, prolonged instability could create broader risks for the US economy and its global credibility.
On Capitol Hill, partisan blame games intensified. Republican Senator John Thune insisted his party would not be “taken hostage” in negotiations, while Democratic leader Chuck Schumer accused Republicans of spreading “lies” and pushing the country into unnecessary turmoil. The standoff leaves ordinary Americans bracing for delayed services and deepening political divisions.
