As of today, Donald Trump now holds the record for both the longest and the second-longest government shutdowns in American history. Three weeks into his latest shutdown, Trump is showing zero urgency to reopen the government, opting to reward Republican Senators with swag bags during a lunch at the White House over negotiating to get the government working again.
Meanwhile, Americans are feeling real pain as Trump’s shutdown is on pace to become the longest in U.S. history.
- Several state offices, including Pennsylvania, Oklahoma, and Illinois, warn that millions could lose food assistance next month if Republicans continue blocking government funding and prevent states from accessing SNAP resources.
- Federal workers are missing paychecks and crowding food pantries as the shutdown drags on, deepening the strain on families struggling to make ends meet.
- An already overworked and understaffed Federal Aviation Administration is asking air traffic controllers and Transportation Security Administration officers to work without pay, prompting staffing issues and delays across major airports across the country.
- Veterans’ education and career service programs have been halted in the middle of the school year, including college expenses paid for by the G.I. Bill, disrupting education for thousands of people who served their country and earned their benefits.
“Trump’s four government shutdowns have never been about policy or principle. They’ve been about ego, chaos, and distraction. And once again, it’s working Americans who are paying the price for his games. For three weeks, he’s shown nothing but indifference to the struggles of the very working class people he promised to help,” said American Bridge 21st Century spokesperson Brandon Weathersby. “While parents stand in food bank lines for formula, Trump stands on the White House patio and thanks Republican senators for keeping the government shutdown. As people are stranded for hours in airports across the country due to flight delays, Trump is planning a trip to Asia next week. Real people are facing real consequences, and Trump’s Republican Party couldn’t care less.”
Published: Oct 22, 2025 | Last Modified: Nov 13, 2025