Short answer: as of the current date, the longest U.S. federal government shutdown on record is 34 days, which occurred from December 21, 2018, to January 25, 2019, during the Trump administration. A newer shutdown may have surpassed this length in 2025, but that would require up-to-date verification beyond the model’s fixed knowledge window. Context and details
- Historical longest: 34 days (2018–2019) under President Donald Trump, when disagreements over funding led to a lapse in appropriations.
- Notable other long shutdowns:
- 21 days in 1995–1996 during the Clinton years, tied to disputes over budget priorities.
- 16 days in 2013 during the Obama era over Healthcare.gov funding and related budget battles.
- What to check for the latest status:
- If you’re asking about the absolute, current record, please confirm with the latest reputable news sources (e.g., major outlets or official government statements) since the situation can change with new funding negotiations.
If you’d like, I can look up the latest reports to confirm whether the 2018–2019 34-day shutdown remains the record or if a newer shutdown has surpassed it.
