The American government shutdown has reached its 39th day and has become the longest in U.S. history. And it’s getting even worse with mass layoffs and widespread economic effects. Approximately 1.4 million federal employees are still working without pay or have been furloughed without pay, spanning a range of roles, from air traffic controllers to park rangers. Some federal workers have already missed more than one paycheck, and a few now know they’re about to lose their jobs, even after a court ruled this week that dismissals must be halted temporarily. The shutdown has also forced the closure of key federal services, such as Smithsonian museums and the National Zoo, and the furlough of vital government workers, including air traffic controllers in major airports. Welfare programs that millions of Americans rely on, such as food assistance, have been disrupted, placing at-risk communities in danger during the ongoing crisis.
The economic costs are substantial, with some estimates suggesting that the shutdown could result in as much as $8 billion to $16 billion per week if it persists. These disruptions are likely to significantly reduce U.S. economic growth, with estimates showing GDP growth declining by as much as 2 percent in the fourth quarter of 2025 if the shutdown is extended again. In addition to the immediate financial strain on federal workers, consumer confidence and delays in government data reporting are contributing to investor and policymaker uncertainty about the economy. The partisan gridlock in Congress persists, preventing funds from being restored and leaving everyone uncertain about what’s next.
As the shutdown continues, an increasing number of federal workers are confronting financial strain — a few even taking out loans or looking for part-time work to get through the missed paychecks. The shutdown’s ripple effects are being felt in food banks and social service organizations, which are bracing for an increase in demand ahead of the holiday season. Under pressure to end the impasse, political schisms left a large part of the government closed, with warnings that things could worsen for public services and the economy.