Post by : Rameen Ariff

The United States is facing a potential prolonged government shutdown as a standoff between President Donald Trump’s Republicans and the Democrats shows little sign of compromise. Entering its second week, federal agencies remain largely paralyzed, leaving analysts warning that the shutdown could last for weeks rather than days.

The current deadlock centers on a Democratic demand to extend health care subsidies that are set to expire, which would affect millions of low-income Americans. On Sunday, President Trump blamed minority Democrats for blocking his funding resolution, which requires a few of their votes to pass. Trump told reporters at the White House, “They’re causing it. We’re ready to go back,” indicating his expectation that the shutdown may continue.

Adding to the tension, Trump announced that his administration has begun permanently firing, rather than furloughing, federal workers, blaming Democrats for causing “the loss of a lot of jobs.” This approach mirrors the longest government shutdown in U.S. history, which Trump presided over in 2018 and 2019, when federal agencies were closed for five weeks. That shutdown cost the U.S. economy $11 billion in the short term, with $3 billion never recovered.

Analysts note that the political standoff is driven by deep tribalism and rigid positions on both sides. Senate Republicans hope that Democrats will eventually yield, while Democrats, led by Senate leader Chuck Schumer, remain cautious after facing criticism for compromises during previous shutdowns. Schumer is also facing potential primary challenges from the left, making him less likely to concede.

Experts warn that a shutdown lasting beyond two months could seriously affect government operations, national security, and economic growth. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has also cautioned that the shutdown could impact GDP growth, while financial analysts note that Wall Street reactions could pressure both sides into compromise.

Some analysts are slightly optimistic that the shutdown may end sooner, predicting it could last up to 12 days, as Democrats might eventually “blink” first. During the shutdown, congressional hearings are paused and many agency functions are halted, which some Democrats may view as a strategic advantage without taking the blame.

The standoff underscores the economic and political risks of prolonged shutdowns, highlighting Trump’s intransigent style and the challenges of bipartisan negotiation in a deeply divided U.S. government.

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