US Government Shutdown Approaches Record Length as Trump Delays Food Benefits for Millions – Live Coverage of US Politics | Federal Shutdown 2025
US Government Shutdown Approaches Historical Record as Trump Delays Food Benefits for Millions
Good morning, and welcome to our live coverage of U.S. politics.
Republicans assert that President Donald Trump is “desperate” to conclude the government shutdown, which has now reached its 33rd day. Lawmakers are struggling to find common ground on previously bipartisan issues, including food aid and health care.
The previous shutdown, initiated in December 2018 due to disputes over funding for a wall along the US-Mexico border, lasted 35 days—marking the longest in American history.
Currently, the Republican Party holds 53 Senate seats, necessitating the support of at least seven Democrats or independents to reopen the federal government. However, only three Democrats have backed funding legislation in the repeated votes since the shutdown commenced on October 1.
Trump continues to maintain a firm grip on the shutdown, leaving both Democrats and Republicans at an impasse over a spending plan that could reopen federal agencies. He has resisted both political and judicial pressures to alleviate the hardships faced by vulnerable Americans, while asserting a lack of power to resolve the situation.
“The Republicans are voting almost unanimously to end it, and the Democrats keep voting against it,” Trump stated in a recent interview. “This has happened like 18 times before, and the Democrats have always voted for an extension, saying, ‘Give us an extension, we’ll work it out.’”
In a ruling last Friday, two federal judges mandated that the Trump administration must utilize $5 billion in contingency funds to continue providing Snap benefits to up to 42 million low-income Americans. Payments ceased under the shutdown on Saturday, raising concerns over hunger among millions.
Despite the court orders, uncertainty remains regarding the resumption of these payments. Trump has indicated he is awaiting clarification from the federal judges on the source of the funds.
Stay with us for the latest developments from Washington as this situation unfolds, highlighting the critical intersection of government policy and civic engagement during this challenging time.
