US Government Shutdown Reaches Historic Day 35, Marking Longest in History
As of November 4, 2025, the United States government has entered its 35th consecutive day of shutdown, officially making it the longest government shutdown in U.S. history. The shutdown commenced on October 1, 2025, and has already resulted in significant economic ramifications, including the accumulation of $600 billion in debt, averaging approximately $17 billion per day.
Key Details
The current shutdown ties with the previous record set during President Donald Trump"s first term, which lasted for 35 days in December 2018. Historically, the average length of a government shutdown is approximately eight days, meaning the current situation is now 4.5 times longer than the average.
Market predictions, as reported by Polymarket, suggest that the shutdown could extend until December 1, 2025. If this forecast holds true, it would result in a total shutdown duration of 61 days, surpassing the previous record by 26 days.
The economic implications of the shutdown are becoming increasingly severe. Since the shutdown began, approximately 3.2 million airline passengers have experienced delays or cancellations. With the Thanksgiving holiday approaching, it is estimated that around 3.5 million additional delays and cancellations may occur during Thanksgiving week alone. By December 1, the total number of disruptions could exceed 10 million.
In addition to travel disruptions, federal unemployment claims have surged dramatically. The number of federal employees filing for unemployment benefits has increased by over 1,200% since the shutdown began, marking the highest level of federal unemployment claims since 2018.
A report from the Congressional Budget Office, shared with The Kobeissi Letter, outlines several economic impacts of the ongoing shutdown:
- The shutdown is projected to reduce the fourth-quarter Gross Domestic Product (GDP) by up to 200 basis points.
- It is expected to erase approximately $39 billion from the economy.
- Payments worth up to $48 billion will be delayed due to the shutdown.
- Federal workers are anticipated to face delays in receiving $23 billion in paychecks.
Background
The current government shutdown stems from a failure to reach an agreement on federal funding, which has led to the closure of various government services and agencies. The prolonged nature of this shutdown has raised concerns among economists and policymakers about its long-term effects on the U.S. economy and the welfare of federal employees.
What"s Next
As the shutdown continues, the urgency for a resolution grows. With the holiday season approaching, the potential for increased disruptions in travel and federal services poses significant challenges for millions of Americans. The economic strain on federal employees and the broader economy underscores the critical need for Congress to reach a funding agreement to end the shutdown.
For further context on related developments, see our coverage on recent developments in international politics.
