The current U.S. federal government shutdown began on October 1, 2025, due to congressional failure to pass appropriations legislation for the 2026 fiscal year. However, the length of this shutdown is uncertain, with lawmakers expressing no clear estimate on when it will end. Historically, the longest shutdown lasted 35 days during President Donald Trump's first term, largely centered on disputes over funding for a border wall, but lawmakers currently suggest the shutdown could last days or possibly longer depending on political negotiations. No definitive timeline exists yet as both parties remain deadlocked, and the government is expected to remain shut down at least several days while talks continue.
