View source for 20182019 United States federal government shutdown

The 2018-2019 U.S. government shutdown, lasting from December 22, 2018, to January 25, 2019, was the longest in history, driven by a political impasse over funding for President Trump's proposed border wall. The shutdown resulted from Trump's request for $5.7 billion, which Congressional Democrats opposed. This standoff led to significant disruptions across various government agencies, affecting approximately 800,000 federal workers who faced furloughs or unpaid work.

The impact was widespread: national parks suffered environmental degradation due to insufficient staff, and air travel delays occurred because of FAA issues. The shutdown reflected a deeper political struggle between Trump and Congress, particularly after Democrats gained control of the House in 2019.

Public opinion polls indicated that a majority blamed Trump and Republicans for the shutdown, influencing its eventual resolution. Federal workers endured financial hardship, forcing some into loans or additional jobs. Statements by officials like Wilbur Ross and Lara Trump drew criticism for appearing out of touch with workers' struggles.

The shutdown ended with a temporary reopening without wall funding, but Trump later declared a national emergency to secure funds, sparking legal challenges and opposition. This event underscored vulnerabilities in government functionality during political divides and highlighted the human cost of such conflicts on federal employees.

Long-term effects likely included decreased morale and trust among federal workers, potentially affecting agency effectiveness. The shutdown exemplified the complex interplay of politics, public perception, and personal hardship, setting a precedent for future funding disputes and illustrating the polarization in U.S. politics.