The ongoing U.S. government shutdown of 2025, now entering its 40th day, has officially become the longest shutdown in American history, surpassing the 35-day record set during Donald Trump’s presidency in 2018–2019.
The political deadlock, which began in early October 2025, has brought large portions of the federal government to a halt, affecting hundreds of thousands of federal employees, delaying essential public services, and rattling financial markets worldwide.
This marks the 15th government shutdown in U.S. history since 1981, when the first modern funding lapse occurred under President Ronald Reagan. Between 1981 and 1987, Reagan presided over eight brief shutdowns, each lasting between one and three days. His successor, George H.W. Bush, faced a short three-day shutdown in 1990.
During the Clinton administration, budget disputes with a Republican-controlled Congress led to two shutdowns in 1995, the longer of which stretched 21 days, setting a record at the time. Under Barack Obama, a 16-day shutdown in 2013 occurred amid a fierce battle over the Affordable Care Act.
The previous record-holder, Trump’s 2018–2019 shutdown, lasted 35 days and cost the U.S. economy billions of dollars in lost productivity. The current 2025 impasse, also under Trump’s leadership following his political comeback, has now exceeded that duration, highlighting the scale of the budget standoff and its deepening impact on workers and services.
Economists warn that if the deadlock continues, it could dampen consumer confidence and slow short-term economic growth. Meanwhile, markets have shown signs of volatility, though investors are hopeful that negotiations in Washington will soon yield a resolution.
