how did the government shut down

The U.S. government shut down on October 1, 2025, at 12:01 a.m. EDT due to a failure by Congress to pass appropriations legislation for the new fiscal year. The shutdown was caused by partisan disagreements, primarily over federal spending levels, foreign aid rescissions, and health insurance subsidies. Democrats insisted that any interim funding bill must include an extension of enhanced Affordable Care Act premium subsidies, while Republicans demanded a seven-week funding extension, leading to deadlock and failure to reach consensus. This impasse resulted in furloughing roughly 900,000 federal employees and forcing another 700,000 to work without pay. Essential services deemed critical continued operation, but many agencies faced suspension or reduction of activities until the funding dispute is resolved. Both parties blamed each other for the shutdown, with President Donald Trump and Democratic leaders unable to secure a compromise in last-minute negotiations.