Washington: The United States government remains in shutdown for the 33rd consecutive day after Congress failed to release essential funding, leaving federal operations paralyzed and millions affected. The standoff between President Donald Trump’s administration and the opposition Democrats shows no sign of easing, with both sides refusing to compromise. Thousands of federal employees are going without pay, and around 42 million low-income Americans risk losing federal food assistance. Although several judges have urged the release of emergency funds to maintain partial welfare payments, Democrats accuse the White House of deliberately blocking relief measures.
The shutdown stems from the Democrats’ insistence on restoring former President Barack Obama’s Affordable Care Act, a proposal Trump has flatly rejected. The President maintains that his administration will not yield and believes Democrats will eventually agree to his terms. The Senate requires 60 votes to pass the funding bill, with Republicans holding 53 seats and Democrats 45, along with two independents. Trump has reportedly urged Republican leaders to abolish this rule to break the impasse, further intensifying the political divide.
Meanwhile, elections are scheduled in four key states—Virginia, New Jersey, New York, and California—expected to shape the national political narrative. Early indicators suggest strong prospects for the Democrats, particularly in New York, where Indian-origin candidate Zohran Mamdani has emerged as a major challenger. In addition, the US Supreme Court is preparing to hear a crucial case on Trump’s “Liberation Day” tariffs, which could have significant repercussions if ruled against him. The White House also faces inquiries over recent military operations targeting drug smuggling routes in the Caribbean and Pacific. With multiple legal and political battles ahead, the Trump administration faces one of its most testing weeks yet.