The United States is bracing for its first government shutdown since 2018, after senators failed to pass a last-minute funding bill. With funding set to expire at midnight Washington time, large parts of the government are expected to grind to a halt. Essential workers, including military personnel and federal law enforcement, are likely to remain on duty, but many will do so without pay, while non-essential employees face temporary unpaid leave.

President Donald Trump has escalated tensions, threatening what he called “irreversible mass firings” of federal workers if the shutdown goes ahead. On Capitol Hill, Republican Senator John Thune said his party would not be “taken hostage,” while Democratic leader Chuck Schumer accused Republicans of “telling lies” in the standoff. The deadlock highlights the deep partisan divide as both sides trade blame over spending priorities.

For ordinary Americans, the impact could be severe.  While services like Social Security and Medicare will continue, the disruption to thousands of families and critical public services has sparked widespread concern, with no clear sign of a resolution.