Washington: The United States has plunged deeper into crisis as the government shutdown stretches into its 36th day, officially becoming the longest in American history. What began as a political standoff has now spiraled into a national emergency — crippling vital services, grounding flights, and leaving millions of citizens struggling.
The deadlock has surpassed the 35-day shutdown from former President Donald Trump’s first term, setting a new and troubling record. The impasse stems from a bitter clash between Democrats and Republicans after Democrats blocked a funding bill in the Senate, demanding that health insurance subsidies remain intact. The bill has now failed 13 times, deepening the stalemate.
As a result, nearly 1.5 million federal workers are bearing the brunt — around 750,000 placed on forced unpaid leave, while another 730,000 continue working without salaries. The effects are rippling across the country: airport operations have slowed, welfare programs like food aid and childcare funds are stalled, and essential government services are on pause.
Transportation officials have warned of serious disruptions in air travel if unpaid air traffic controllers begin to withdraw from duty. Meanwhile, labor unions and citizens are ramping up pressure to end the shutdown, calling it a humanitarian and economic crisis.
Yet, President Donald Trump remains unyielding — refusing to negotiate until Democrats concede, while Democrats continue to push for protection of healthcare benefits. As political gridlock deepens, the longest shutdown in U.S. history is testing the endurance of both the government and the American people.
