REUTERS/via SNO Sites/Mike Blake
The entrance to Cabrillo National Monument is shown closed during the first day of a partial U.S. government shutdown, in San Diego, California, U.S., October 1, 2025. REUTERS/Mike Blake
At midnight on October 1st, the United States government and federal agencies entered a shutdown caused by budget disputes within Congress. This is only the 11th time a shutdown has occurred, but the fourth during a Trump presidency.
During a shutdown, only services deemed essential will continue to function. Military and law enforcement departments will continue to run as usual, but most Military personnel won’t be able to receive pay during this period. The Federal Emergency Management Agency, responsible for preparation and response to all kinds of natural disasters and emergencies, will remain open, but likely struggle with efficiency due to a lack of funding in its already low budget.
The largest effects are to be seen in economic fields. Companies reliant on government funding or approval for projects could drastically reduce operations, slowing down or even entirely stopping business for the time being. Investors and stock brokers looking to Washington for financial updates and outlooks will also be unable to accurately make predictions, which will ultimately harm the stock market.
In the 35-day shutdown beginning at the end of 2018, it is estimated that the government lost up to $5 billion, and the effects of this shutdown will continue to be seen as it continues to be drawn out. With Democrats and Republicans both refusing to negotiate and blaming the other, the chances of this shutdown ending soon seem unlikely.