Longest government shutdown in US history: Trump, Democrats at impasse; Americans brace for widening fallout
The United States has entered uncharted territory as the ongoing government shutdown surpassed all previous records, becoming the longest-ever on Wednesday, exceeding the 35-day benchmark set during Donald Trump’s first term. The stalemate—rooted in a bitter dispute over healthcare spending—has left federal agencies shuttered, key welfare programmes suspended, and millions of Americans bracing for deepening disruptions.Since Congress failed to approve funding beyond September 30, large parts of the federal government have ceased operations. The impact is widening each day, with food assistance for millions halted and roughly 1.4 million federal employees—including air traffic controllers, TSA officers, and park wardens.
Mounting pressure on travel and welfare
The administration has issued fresh warnings of widespread travel chaos if the deadlock persists. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy cautioned that extended staff shortages could soon lead to “mass flight delays, cancellations, and even airspace closures.”The American Automobile Association (AAA) projects record Thanksgiving air travel this year, with 5.8 million Americans expected to fly during the November 27 holiday. Yet, over 60,000 air traffic controllers and TSA officers are currently unpaid, raising fears of absenteeism similar to 2019, when sick calls from unpaid workers effectively forced an end to the previous shutdown.Meanwhile, the White House has warned of possible benefit suspensions, including partial disruptions to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Programme (SNAP), though it pledged to comply with court mandates to distribute emergency payments.
Political stalemate over healthcare
At the heart of the deadlock lies a dispute over healthcare funding. Democrats are demanding that Congress address expiring insurance subsidies before reopening the government, while Republicans insist operations resume first. Despite signs of movement from a few centrist Democrats—who have proposed a framework to curb insurance costs—party leadership on both sides remains entrenched.Trump has ruled out compromise, telling CBS News that he would “not be extorted.” His administration has also signalled readiness to tighten spending on progressive programmes, further hardening partisan divides.As the shutdown enters its sixth week with no resolution in sight, economists warn of growing damage to the nation’s economy and institutions—making this not only the longest government shutdown in US history but also one of its most consequential.Food assistance, child care support, and numerous other government services have been severely disrupted, while hundreds of thousands of federal employees have either been furloughed or required to work without pay.
