Washington (Somalia Today) — The U.S. federal government entered its fifth day of shutdown with no progress between President Donald Trump and Congress. The impasse has left hundreds of thousands of workers unpaid, key services frozen, and the economy under pressure.
Democrats and Republicans remain divided. Democrats want to renew subsidies that help millions afford health insurance under the Affordable Care Act. Republicans, led by Trump, demand a short-term funding bill with no policy conditions.
House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries said no talks have taken place since a White House meeting earlier in the week. “Republicans, including Donald Trump, have gone radio silent,” he told NBC. “We’ve seen deepfake videos, canceled votes, and the president on the golf course. That’s not responsible behavior.”
Asked by CNN about negotiations, Trump replied by text, “We are winning and cutting costs big time.” He offered no details.
The shutdown has halted nonessential services nationwide, from passport processing to research programs. National parks are closed. Hundreds of thousands of federal employees are furloughed or working without pay.
White House threatens permanent layoffs
The Trump administration warned it may turn temporary furloughs into permanent job cuts, a step not taken during past shutdowns. Officials said the plan would save money and make government “more efficient.”
House Speaker Mike Johnson called the idea “regrettable” but said the administration still prefers a deal. “It’s a situation the president does not want,” Johnson said on NBC.
Kevin Hassett, head of the White House National Economic Council, urged Democrats to back a seven-week funding extension. “We want the Democrats to come forward and make a deal that’s clean and simple,” he said.
Democrats say the threats and recent actions have eroded trust. Senator Adam Schiff accused the White House of withholding billions of dollars in congressionally approved funds. “We need written assurances in the law, not promises,” he said.
Republicans claim Democrats are using the shutdown to push expanded health benefits for undocumented immigrants, a charge Democrats deny. Federal law bars such individuals from receiving Affordable Care Act coverage.
Growing economic and political fallout
The shutdown comes at a fragile economic moment. Inflation remains high, job growth has slowed, and the budget deficit is near $2 trillion. Economists warn that each week of closure can reduce growth and weaken public confidence.
About 800,000 federal employees are affected, either working without pay or on leave. Essential services such as air traffic control and border protection remain operational, but many agencies are on skeleton crews.
A Senate vote to advance a Republican spending bill failed on Friday, leaving the stalemate intact. Speaker Johnson has paused House business until mid-October, putting pressure on the Senate to act.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune said the shutdown will continue “as long as Democrats vote no.” Another vote is expected Monday, though expectations are low.
This is the first shutdown since 2019, and it carries new risks. Trump’s threats of permanent layoffs and deep budget cuts mark a change in how Washington handles funding crises.
With neither side backing down, the standoff could drag on, testing workers, voters, and an economy already under strain.
