As the federal government shutdown drags into its second week, House Speaker Mike Johnson warned it could become the longest in U.S. history. The standoff centers on disagreements over federal funding, especially over continuation of Affordable Care Act subsidies, which Democrats insist must be included in any agreement. Republicans maintain the government must reopen before further negotiation.
Approximately 900,000 federal workers have been furloughed or forced to work without pay, while agencies ranging from the Department of Education to research institutions face partial closure. Among the most visible disruptions, the Smithsonian museums and the National Zoo in Washington, D.C. have shut their doors to visitors, further fueling public frustration.
In a bold escalation, the Trump administration has shifted from furloughs to actual terminations in several departments. The White House argues that deep cuts are necessary to pressure Democrats, but critics from both sides warn this tactic could cause lasting damage to the federal workforce and morale.
States leaning Democratic have accused the administration of selective funding freezes targeting them. For example, multibillion-dollar transit and green energy projects were delayed or blocked, prompting legal challenges and accusations of politicizing essential services.
The growing tension reflects the broader crisis: if the impasse continues, not only will services and workers suffer, but public confidence in governing institutions could erode. Many now wonder whether the shutdown signals a turning point in how power and responsibility are shared in Washington.