"🚨 America on Pause: Government Shuts Down! 🚨"

Senators fail to pass two spending bills, proposed separately by the Democrats and Republicans, meaning the US government shutdown continues - how did we get here? President Donald Trump threatens "irreversible" mass layoffs as Republicans and Democrats are blaming each other for the shutdown - here's what's been said Thousands of federal employees face unpaid leave but some essential workers still on the job face losing out on pay. Politicians in Congress will still be paid One federal worker in the US prison system tells the BBC: "Holding onto our pay until they come up with a compromise is toying with millions of lives" We are back on familiar ground, but if the stakes seem higher this time it's a reflection of Trump's presidency, writes our North America correspondent

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10/1/20251 min read

How Did the Shutdown Begin?

The U.S. government has once again come to a halt. Senators failed to pass two separate spending bills — one proposed by Democrats, the other by Republicans. The result? A deadlock that has left federal funding in limbo and the government effectively shut down.

This isn’t the first time America has faced a shutdown, but the political stakes feel higher under President Donald Trump’s administration, with tensions rising on Capitol Hill.

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Trump Warns of “Irreversible” Mass Layoffs

President Trump has placed the blame squarely on Democrats, warning that the shutdown could lead to “irreversible” mass layoffs. Meanwhile, Democrats argue that Republicans refused to compromise on key funding measures, creating a cycle of political finger-pointing.

Both sides are digging in, but the impact is being felt most by ordinary federal employees.

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The Human Cost of the Shutdown

For thousands of federal workers, this shutdown isn’t just a political battle — it’s a financial crisis.

Unpaid Leave: Many government employees have been furloughed without pay.

Essential Workers at Risk: Others, such as prison staff and border agents, are still required to work — but they, too, are missing paychecks.

Meanwhile, Congress Gets Paid: Lawmakers in Washington will continue to collect salaries, a fact fueling frustration among workers and the public alike.

One U.S. prison system employee told the BBC:

> “Holding onto our pay until they come up with a compromise is toying with millions of lives.”

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A Familiar Ground — But Higher Stakes

Shutdowns are not new in American politics. But under Trump’s presidency, the stakes are higher and the tone more dramatic. With partisan gridlock showing no sign of easing, millions of Americans are left wondering:

When will my paycheck arrive?

How long will government services be disrupted?

Is there any path to compromise?

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What Happens Next?

Until Democrats and Republicans find common ground, the U.S. government will remain partially frozen. Critical services hang in the balance, while everyday workers are caught in the middle of a political showdown that feels more like a high-stakes gamble than responsible governance.

The real question: Who will blink first — Congress or the White House?