INTERNACIONAL
The 5 longest government shutdowns in history: What happened, how they ended
NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!
There appears to be no end in sight to the current government shutdown, with Democrats and Republicans still far from striking a federal spending deal nearly a month into fiscal year (FY) 2026.
Hundreds of thousands of federal workers have been furloughed and thousands have been laid off. Certain federal services have also paused due to lack of funding.
It is not the first time such a standoff has paused all or some government operations. Below is a list of the top five longest government shutdowns in U.S. history, and how they were resolved.
BATTLEGROUND REPUBLICANS HOLD THE LINE AS JOHNSON PRESSURES DEMS ON SHUTDOWN
Presidents Donald Trump, Bill Clinton and Jimmy Carter presided over the four longest government shutdowns in history, respectively. (Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images; Luke Frazza/AFP via Getty Images; Bettman Archive via Getty Images)
December 2018–January 2019: 35 Days
The longest government shutdown in history happened during the first Trump administration and lasted five weeks.
Funding for President Donald Trump’s border wall was at the heart of that dispute. Trump had refused to sign a federal spending deal that did not include money for the project, and a standalone bill with $5.7 billion was blocked by a Senate Democrat-led filibuster.
Trump eventually backed a short-term federal funding measure to reopen the government on Jan. 25, 2019, and a few weeks later, Congress approved $1.375 billion for 55 miles of border fencing between the U.S. and Mexico.
It was a partial shutdown, meaning lawmakers managed to strike a deal on five of 12 appropriations bills before their clock ran out.
Oct. 1, 2025–current: 26 Days and Counting
The current government shutdown is now the second-longest in history, and the longest-ever full shutdown.
That means Congress was unable to strike a federal funding deal on any appropriations bills before the end of FY 2025 on Sept. 30.
Republicans, who control the House and Senate, had offered a seven-week extension of FY 2025 spending levels to give lawmakers more time to hash out next fiscal year’s numbers.
It passed the House on Sept. 19, with support from one Democrat, but has stalled in the Senate 12 separate times.
SCREAMING MATCH ERUPTS BETWEEN HAKEEM JEFFRIES, MIKE LAWLER AS GOVERNMENT SHUTDOWN CHAOS CONTINUES
Democrats are demanding that any federal funding plan also include an extension of COVID-19 pandemic-era enhanced Obamacare subsidies, which are set to expire at the end of this year without congressional action.
As of the most recent tally, at least five more Senate Democrats are needed to overcome a filibuster and pass the measure in the Senate.
Republican leaders have shown no signs of giving in, however, accusing Democrats of trying to jam an unrelated issue into the yearly funding process.
The government is in a shutdown after Congress failed to reach an agreement on federal funding. (Getty Images)
December 1995–January 1996: 21 Days
The second of two government shutdowns under former President Bill Clinton lasted three weeks, breaking a record at the time for the longest shutdown in U.S. history.
Republicans had taken control of both the House and Senate in the 1994 midterm elections, leading Clinton on a collision course with then-House Speaker Newt Gingrich, R-Ga.
Gingrich pursued significant cuts to the federal budget after being emboldened by the 1994 red wave in the House following his «Contract with America.»
Clinton, who also pushed for a balanced budget, disagreed with the spending cuts sought by Republicans in Congress.
That was also a partial shutdown, with the departments of energy, defense and agriculture among those funded before the impasse began.
Republicans moved to end that shutdown amid mounting negative public polling for the GOP, NPR reported.
Sept. 30, 1978–Oct. 18, 1978: 18 Days
The longest shutdown of former President Jimmy Carter’s four-year term in the White House lasted 18 days, at a time when Democrats controlled all levers of power in Washington.
Carter had vetoed Congress’ bills on defense spending and public works that he thought wasted federal dollars, according to the Washington Post. That included funding for a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier that Carter opposed.
There was also a dispute over abortion in the funding bill for the now-defunct Department of Health, Education, and Welfare.
Congress wound up stripping the funding that Carter opposed from the defense and public works bills, while a compromise was reached on the latter issue.
Former President Barack Obama presided over the second-longest full shutdown in history, and the fifth-longest overall. (Alex Wong/Getty Images)
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
Oct. 1, 2013–Oct. 17, 2013: 16 Days
Much like the current standoff, the 2013 government shutdown also centered on Obamacare — also known as the Affordable Care Act (ACA).
It is the second-longest full shutdown in history behind today’s. At the time, Republicans controlled the House while Democrats held the Senate.
The GOP had insisted on spending bills that rolled back significant portions of Obamacare, then only about three years old.
Senate Democrats rejected such measures passed by the Republican-controlled House, however.
Congress eventually agreed to a short-term spending patch to end the shutdown, and Republicans relented on pushing funding bills with Obamacare cuts.
house of representatives politics,politics,senate,government shutdown
INTERNACIONAL
Elecciones en Nueva York: en un enorme revés para Trump, Zohran Mamdani se anotó un contundente triunfo
Andrew Cuomo, candidato a la alcaldía de Nueva York, llega a votar a un centro de votación en Nueva York. Foto BloombergINTERNACIONAL
Economic anxiety keys Dem sweep in high-stakes races as left leverages voter frustration
NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!
Democrats claimed victory in a trio of high-stakes elections that largely focused on economic anxiety and affordability issues.
New Jersey Democratic Rep. Mikie Sherrill defeated Republican gubernatorial candidate Jack Ciattarelli in the New Jersey governor’s race, while former Democratic Rep. Abigail Spanberger defeated Republican challenger Winsome Earle-Sears in the Virginia gubernatorial race. In the Empire State, Socialist New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani claimed victory over former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo, who ran as an independent, and Republican Curtis Sliwa.
The three sweeps come as Republicans worked to make inroads in the historically liberal or left-leaning jurisdictions, including campaigning on lowering taxes.
In all three elections, the economy and affordability were top concerns, according to polling data, with the liberal candidates leaning into blaming the White House for economic anxiety.
TRUMP LOOMS LARGE OVER KEY ELECTION DAY 2025 CONTESTS DESPITE NOT BEING ON BALLOT
New York City Democratic mayoral nominee Zohran Mamdani speaks during an interview on Fox News’ «The Story with Martha MacCallum,» Oct. 15, 2025, in New York City. (Evan Agostini/Invision/The Associated Press)
In New Jersey, voters reported that the state’s notoriously high taxes and the economy were their top issues heading into the polling stations, according to Fox News Voter Poll data. In Virginia, half of voters reported that the economy was their top issue, more than double the number who reported healthcare as their top concern, according to Fox polling data.
In New York City, affordability was by far voters’ top concern, according to Fox News Voter Poll data, with Mamdani notching a significant win over his challengers. Mamdani ran on policies such as city-run groceries to lower food costs, eliminating bus fares, implementing rent freezes on rent-stabilized units and other affordable housing proposals.
Voters responded by voting for Democrats following President Donald Trump’s decisive win over former Vice President Kamala Harris just more than a year ago in a federal election that also focused on the economy amid spiraling inflation woes.
Virginia Democratic gubernatorial candidate, former Rep. Abigail Spanberger celebrates as she takes the stage during her election night rally at the Greater Richmond Convention Center Nov. 4, 2025. (Win McNamee/Getty Images)
Trump and other conservatives have railed against Mamdani as a «communist» who threatens New York City’s massive economy and a symbol of American capitalism, while left-wing supporters have championed he will ease the cost burden on residents facing sky-high rent, taxes and food costs.
TRUMP IGNORES ELECTIONS AS DEMOCRATS STUMBLE ON THE WAY TO LIKELY VICTORIES
«Zohran Mamdani, a 100% Communist Lunatic, has just won the Dem Primary, and is on his way to becoming Mayor,» Trump wrote on Truth Social in June. «We’ve had Radical Lefties before, but this is getting a little ridiculous. He looks TERRIBLE, his voice is grating, he’s not very smart.»
The trio of high-profile Democrats who won their elections campaigned in part against Trump administration policies and affordability woes.
Rep. Mikie Sherrill, Democratic gubernatorial candidate for New Jersey, checks-in to cast her ballot at a polling location inside Hillside Elementary School in Montclair, New Jersey, Nov. 4, 2025. (John Lamparski/Bloomberg via Getty Images)
«Donald Trump needs to answer directly to Virginians on why he is actively cutting Virginia jobs and hurting the Virginia economy,» Spanberger said in October. «The Trump Administration has taken a sledgehammer approach to governing that has hurt Virginia’s workers, businesses, and economy.»
Sherrill pitched the current economy as a «catastrophe,» including claiming Trump’s tariffs would be disastrous.
DEMOCRAT IN KEY GOVERNOR RACE KEEPS DISTANCE FROM NYC’S MAMDANI
«Donald Trump just implemented the biggest tax increase in my lifetime — an economic catastrophe for New Jersey families,» Sherrill said in April as Trump announced increased tariffs on foreign nations. «This will raise costs to the tune of almost $4,000 per year, and many companies have already announced layoffs. No wonder the Wall Street Journal called it the ‘dumbest trade war in history.’»
New Jersey, a historically deep blue state, was viewed as the most likely to potentially flip red after the 2024 federal election showed Trump made inroads with Garden State voters, including flipping five counties to the GOP.
President Donald Trump speaks before signing an executive order barring transgender female athletes from competing in women’s or girls’ sporting events, in the East Room of the White House, Wednesday, Feb. 5, 2025, in Washington. (Alex Brandon/The Associated Press)
Following Spanberger’s win Tuesday, she celebrated that she will reinvigorate the Old Dominion State’s economy.
«Virginia chose pragmatism over partisanship,» Spanberger said. «We chose our commonwealth over chaos.»
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
«You all chose leadership that will focus relentlessly on what matters most — lowering costs, keeping our communities safe and strengthening our economy for every Virginian,» she said.
Trump responded to the Democrat wins Tuesday with a quote from pollsters that the ongoing government shutdown was partially due to the Republican losses.
«‘TRUMP WASN’T ON THE BALLOT, AND SHUTDOWN, WERE THE TWO REASONS THAT REPUBLICANS LOST ELECTIONS TONIGHT,’ according to Pollsters,» Trump posted on Truth Social.
new jersey,economy,virginia,new york,donald trump
INTERNACIONAL
Zohran Mamdani: quién es el inmigrante musulmán izquierdista que revolucionó Nueva York y ganó la alcaldía
Nueva York eligió a Zohran Mamdani como su alcalde, este martes. Con el 88% escrutado, el legislador de 34 años obtenía el 50,3% de los votos, seguido por Cuomo (41,6%) y Sliwa (7%).
Es una victoria para el ala progresista del Partido Demócrata. Ahora, Mamdani debe navegar las interminables demandas de la ciudad más grande de Estados Unidos y cumplir con promesas de campaña ambiciosas.
Leé también: Las fábricas de EE. UU. enfrentan el reto de encontrar miles de empleados
Zohran Mamdani: un insólito adversario de Trump en Nueva York
Joven, sin gran experiencia política, inmigrante africano, musulmán, declarado “socialista” y marcadamente pro-palestino. Zohran Mamdani, el inesperado ganador de la interna del Partido Demócrata y ahora electo alcalde, revolucionó el tablero político de Nueva York, una de las ciudades más progresistas de los Estados Unidos.
Mamdani es la antítesis de todo lo que representa hoy Donald Trump. Pero sus posturas radicales, con las que capturó la atención del voto joven y migrante, comienzan a asustar al ala moderada o más inclinada a la derecha del partido.
Sus propuestas políticas parecen sacadas del manual de la izquierda latinoamericana: congelamiento de alquileres, transporte y jardines maternales gratuitos, dignidad para los trabajadores y una serie de ideas de elevado perfil social, como la creación de supermercados populares administrados por la alcaldía, que llevaron al presidente a calificarlo de «lunático comunista 100%“. Zohran Mamdani ganó la interna demócrata (Foto: REUTERS/David ‘Dee’ Delgado)
Una verdad política implacable sostiene que el ganador de la interna demócrata neoyorquina tiene asegurado su acceso a la alcaldía. Los demócratas suelen derrotar con facilidad a los republicanos en esta ciudad cosmopolita y que le dio la espalda a Trump en las últimas elecciones presidenciales. La diferencia suele ser de 6 a 1 a favor de los demócratas sobre sus rivales republicanos.
A simple vista, Mamdani partía como favorito para las elecciones locales. Pero había una luz roja encendida que titila en su camino. Su vehemente posicionamiento a la izquierda y con un respaldo firme a la causa palestina, generó una enorme desconfianza en el propio electorado demócrata inclinado hacia la derecha del partido. Se estima que en la ciudad viven unos 960.000 miembros de la comunidad judía, el 12% de la población neoyorquina que mira con absoluto estupor la adhesión de Mamdani a la campaña “Free Palestine”.
Leé también:Tras el cese el fuego con Irán, Israel se concentra en la Franja de Gaza y negocia un acuerdo con Hamas
¿Por qué un radical de izquierda ganó la interna demócrata?
Mamdani ganó las internas, y ahora la alcaldía, porque supo llegar a los jóvenes con sus propuestas para abaratar los carísimos alquileres que se cobran en la ciudad. Además, captó la atención de las comunidades latinas, con populares videos en español en redes sociales en los que él mismo se presentó como migrante en momentos en que decenas de miles de hispanos son deportados a sus países de origen.
Pero también les habló a los votantes en urdú, el idioma que hablan la mayoría de los migrantes indios y paquistaníes, sin descuidar la campaña en inglés dirigida a las clases medias a la que le cuesta cada vez más quedarse a vivir en la ciudad por los elevados costos de los alquileres. A los ricos solo les prometió que le cobraría más impuestos. En síntesis, supo forjar una nueva coalición política multirracial.
Leé también: Benjamin Netanyahu analiza convocar a elecciones anticipadas en Israel tras el anuncio del cese el fuego
“Mamdani parecía estar en todas partes”, resumió la columnista del Washington Post, Karen Tumulty. En un artículo de opinión publicado en junio, escribió que el joven dirigente de origen ugandés “identificó correctamente” los problemas que hacen cada vez más inaccesible vivir en esta ciudad, más allá de que “sus políticas pueden no ser la solución» a la crisis.
“Lo más importante que los demócratas del establishment deberían aprender de Mamdani es la lección que ofrece al abordar lo que probablemente sea el mayor problema del partido: reconectarse con los votantes más jóvenes”, indicó Tumulty.
Para la analista política, “entrar en pánico por un candidato que se autodenomina socialista no es la solución. En cambio, los demócratas deberían analizar detenidamente su propia imagen y comprender por qué, en lugar de mirar hacia el futuro, siguen presentando figuras imperfectas e inaceptables de un pasado no tan glorioso”, afirmó.
Pero el fenómeno Mamdani parece ser solo local. En general, Nueva York suele tener un ecosistema político propio. Sus alcaldes nunca llegan a tener una gran proyección nacional, como les sucedió por ejemplo a Rudy Giuliani, Mike Bloomberg o Bill de Blasio.
Estados Unidos, Elecciones, Nueva York
Elecciones en Nueva York: en un enorme revés para Trump, Zohran Mamdani se anotó un contundente triunfo
Tití Fernández reveló los mensajes que Alberto le enviaba para Messi durante el Mundial de Qatar
Máximo Kirchner buscará seguir al mando del PJ Bonaerense: la resistencia del sector que responde a Kicillof
Oficializaron los nuevos montos de las jubilaciones para este mes: de cuánto será la mínima
Décadas después, se filtra este juego cancelado de Famicom – Nintenderos
La drástica decisión que tomó el novio de Dani Fernández tras verla con Nico Vázquez juntos
Suben parcialmente los impuestos al combustible y esto pasará con el precio de la nafta
Paula Robles rompió el silencio tras las amenazas de muerte a Juanita Tinelli, su hija: “Hay otro mundo en el que sí tenemos posibilidades”
Lamine Yamal contó toda la verdad sobre las infidelidades a Nicki Nicole y fue tajante: “Todo lo que está saliendo no tiene nada que ver”
Tras los cambios de Gabinete, Milei viaja a Miami para participar de una cumbre global junto a Trump
CHIMENTOS3 días agoPaula Robles rompió el silencio tras las amenazas de muerte a Juanita Tinelli, su hija: “Hay otro mundo en el que sí tenemos posibilidades”
- CHIMENTOS3 días ago
Lamine Yamal contó toda la verdad sobre las infidelidades a Nicki Nicole y fue tajante: “Todo lo que está saliendo no tiene nada que ver”
- POLITICA3 días ago
Tras los cambios de Gabinete, Milei viaja a Miami para participar de una cumbre global junto a Trump
