are we in a government shutdown right now

Yes, the United States federal government is currently in a shutdown. The shutdown began at 12:01 a.m. EDT on October 1, 2025, after Congress failed to pass appropriations legislation for the 2026 fiscal year. This is the 21st government shutdown in modern US history and marks the third under President Donald Trump's current administration. The shutdown results from a deadlock between Senate Democrats and Republicans on government funding, with disagreements mainly over Medicaid cuts, health care subsidies, and budget priorities. As a result, non-essential government operations have stopped, and about 900,000 federal employees have been furloughed, while another 700,000 are working without pay. This shutdown is expected to have significant impacts on federal programs and services, including disruptions to scientific research, public health agencies, and various social programs. Federal agencies are also preparing for potential mass layoffs under directives from the Trump administration during this funding lapse.