What's happened
The US government is at risk of a shutdown as Congress fails to pass a funding bill before October 1. President Trump has threatened mass layoffs amid partisan disagreements over spending priorities, with essential services continuing but many federal workers furloughed. The deadlock echoes past shutdowns, with political blame-shifting ongoing.
What's behind the headline?
The current shutdown threat underscores the deep partisan divide in US politics, with Republicans controlling all branches of government and Democrats demanding policy concessions. President Trump’s threats to cut federal jobs and programs reflect a strategic use of the shutdown as leverage, but such tactics risk economic and social fallout. Past shutdowns have shown that essential services like military, law enforcement, and social security continue, but non-essential functions and many federal employees face furloughs, with economic costs reaching billions. The political calculus suggests Republicans prefer to blame Democrats for the impasse, despite controlling the legislative process. This standoff highlights the ongoing challenge of bipartisan cooperation in US governance, with the potential for prolonged disruption if negotiations fail. The impact on public trust and economic stability will likely intensify if the deadlock persists, making resolution urgent but uncertain.
What the papers say
Al Jazeera emphasizes President Trump’s threats to use the deadlock for layoffs and details the legal and historical context of shutdowns, highlighting the disruption to federal services and employment. Gulf News focuses on the political standoff, with Democrats and Republicans blaming each other, and notes Trump’s intention to frame the shutdown as a Democratic failure, despite GOP control. Both sources agree on the political tension and potential economic impact, but Al Jazeera provides a broader historical perspective, while Gulf News emphasizes recent political maneuvers and blame-shifting.
How we got here
The US government typically faces funding disputes at the end of September, with Congress often passing short-term stopgap measures. This year, disagreements between Republicans and Democrats over healthcare subsidies, immigration, and other priorities have prevented an agreement, leading to the shutdown on October 1. Historically, shutdowns occur when Congress misses budget deadlines, with legal rulings since 1982 affirming agencies cannot spend without congressional approval. Past shutdowns, including the longest in 2018-2019, have disrupted federal services and affected millions of workers and businesses.
Go deeper
Common question
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Can Congress Avoid a Government Shutdown? What’s the Latest?
As the deadline to fund the US government approaches, questions are swirling about whether Congress can prevent a shutdown. With partisan disagreements and political blame games intensifying, many are wondering what the risks are and if a last-minute deal is possible. Below, we explore the key issues, potential consequences, and the latest developments in this high-stakes political showdown.
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Why Did the US Government Shut Down on October 1, 2025?
The US government shut down on October 1 after Congress failed to pass a funding bill. This has raised many questions about what caused the shutdown, which services are affected, and how it impacts federal workers and the economy. Below, we answer some of the most common questions to help you understand this complex situation.
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