There've been several government shutdowns in the United States over the years; however, the country is now enduring its longest-ever shutdown as the standoff between lawmakers drags on into a fifth week under the Trump administration. There've been several government shutdowns in the United States over the years; however, the country is now enduring its longest-ever shutdown as the standoff between lawmakers drags on into a fifth week under the Trump administration. The funding lapse began on October 1, 2025, when Congress failed to pass the annual appropriation bills for the next fiscal year. By November 4 and 5, the shutdown had reached 35-36 days, officially topping the previous 35-day record from 2018-2019, under the same administration.