The U.S. government shutdown officially came to a close on November 12, 2025, after a record-setting 43-day stalemate. But political tensions remain high: Democrats and Republicans remain deeply divided over healthcare subsidies and budget priorities even as federal operations restart.
The shutdown, which began at 12:01 a.m. on October 1, 2025, triggered an impasse driven by major disagreements — with Democrats demanding that any spending deal include extensions of health-insurance subsidies and Republicans insisting that fiscal negotiations proceed separately. Senate Democrats joined Republicans in a late-night vote on November 9, advancing a temporary funding bill that could reopen the government through January 30. The move marked the first sign of progress in weeks.
Find out below what triggered the shutdown, which federal services were affected, and what’s ahead as the government reopens and policymakers brace for the next budget showdown.
Why Did the U.S. Government Shut Down?
The shutdown began at 12:01 a.m. on October 1, 2025, after Congress failed to pass a new funding bill for the fiscal year. The biggest sticking point has been healthcare subsidies under the Affordable Care Act (ACA). Democrats have demanded that the funding package include an extension of these subsidies, while Republicans — who control both chambers — insist that healthcare should be addressed separately from government spending. Disputes also arose over cuts to foreign aid and public broadcasting. With neither side willing to compromise, the deadline passed and the government was forced into a shutdown.
How Long Did the Government Stay Shut Down?
The 2025 U.S. government shutdown lasted a record 43 days, officially ending on November 12, 2025, after President Donald Trump signed a temporary spending bill into law. The deal funds most federal agencies through January 30, 2026, providing only short-term relief while deeper budget disputes remain unresolved.
During the standoff, more than 900,000 federal employees were furloughed, and key services — from food assistance programs to national parks — were halted or severely limited.
Economists estimate that the shutdown cost the U.S. economy between $7 billion and $14 billion in lost output, according to Reuters and the Congressional Budget Office. While the government is now reopened, officials warn that another shutdown could loom early next year if Congress fails to pass a long-term funding package.
What Is the Longest Government Shutdown in U.S. History?
The 2025 government shutdown is now the longest in U.S. history, lasting 43 days from October 1 to November 12, 2025. The shutdown surpassed the previous record of 35 days, which occurred from December 22, 2018, to January 25, 2019, also during Trump’s presidency and centered on border wall funding.