The U.S. federal government began a partial shutdown at midnight on October 1, 2025, after Congress failed to pass a funding bill by the deadline, furloughing about 750,000 non-essential workers and halting services like national parks and economic data collection.

 The impasse stems from Republican demands for Medicaid reforms and spending cuts, opposed by Democrats seeking to extend enhanced Affordable Care Act tax credits to prevent premium increases of up to 75% for over 20 million Americans. Both parties have traded blame, with President Donald Trump indicating the shutdown could facilitate program reductions.

The former vice president Kamala Harris in a statement pointed fingers at the Republican for the shutdown, says they are in charge

In her words: “President Trump and Congressional Republicans just shut down the government because they refused to stop your health care costs from rising. Let me be clear: Republicans are in charge of the White House, House, and Senate. This is their shutdown.”

The governor of California Gavin Newsom message couldn’t be clearer: “Donald Trump just shut down the government.

“The last government shutdown was when Donald Trump was President. It cost the American people $11 BILLION. Almost like there’s a pattern here.” Newsom added.