Trump forced a shutdown because he refuses to strike a funding deal with Congress. In fact, the President has refused to even meet with Democratic leaders. As a result, large parts of the federal government could soon grind to a halt. 

When we hear about a “government shutdown,” it can feel overwhelming or confusing. Many of us expect it to affect our daily lives in some way, but the billionaires that benefit from Trump’s agenda won’t feel the impacts.

Why are we facing a government shutdown?

Each year, Congress is supposed to pass bills that fund the government. If they don’t, the government runs out of money to pay workers and operate many programs, forcing a government shutdown. 

Right now, we find ourselves on the brink of a shutdown, and Trump has been unwilling to negotiate on a funding bill that would keep the lights on. Trump and congressional Republicans need Democratic votes to pass a funding bill in the Senate, so Democrats are pushing for health care protections. They’ve come to the table to talk, but Trump refuses to: he canceled talks with party leaders and is even using the shutdown as an excuse to fire more federal workers and harm the country even more.   

The message is clear: Trump and his allies are willing to make everyday Americans’ lives harder to advance an agenda that benefits the ultra-wealthy. Meanwhile, billionaires won’t feel the pain of a shutdown, and they won’t feel the consequences if Democrats accept a bad deal just to avoid one.

That’s not responsible leadership – it’s a choice to put wealthy interests first, with everyday Americans paying the price.

What Shuts Down and What Stays Open?

Government operations don’t entirely cease when we enter a shutdown, but most agencies have to make drastic cuts to staffing and operations.

Federal workers will be furloughed or made to work without being paid.

Hundreds of thousands of workers will be furloughed (sent home without pay, although by law they will be paid once they return to work). Others, like TSA officers and air traffic controllers, will keep working, but won’t get their paychecks until after the shutdown ends. This means significant hardship for federal workers and their families, plus major slowdowns when it comes to the government operations that keep the country running.

Social security and Medicare checks will still go out, but expect major customer service delays.

While Trump’s shutdown wouldn’t stop people who already receive social security or Medicare checks from receiving them, it would cause major bureaucratic delays for people that need help resolving an issue or need to apply for benefits.

Veterans should still be able to access their benefits, but Trump’s shutdown could cause administrative issues and delays. 

The VA says that in the event of a government shutdown, key benefits and health care programs should not be affected, but as with Social Security and Medicare, furloughing workers could mean that veterans see delays when trying to navigate the system. Some minor programs, like career counseling and transition assistance programs, will shut down.

The United States Postal Service will keep running.

USPS is self-funded, so letters and packages will keep moving. But with Trump’s history of attacking the postal service, we need to stay vigilant and look out for ways he could twist the shutdown to justify further efforts to go after vote-by-mail.

WIC will have to stop accepting new applicants immediately, and SNAP will suffer if Trump’s shutdown goes long.

WIC, which supports women, infants, and children, would likely have to stop accepting new applicants almost immediately. SNAP benefits would continue for a short time, but a long shutdown could put families at risk.

Passport services will remain open, but Trump’s shutdown could cause delays.

The Bureau of Consular Affairs and its Office of Passport Services is designated as an essential service provider, and its operations are supported by the fees that we pay when we apply for a passport. That said, just as with almost every government agency, the general uncertainty of a prolonged government shutdown might cause delays.

Trump’s shutdown could threaten housing loan applications.

During a shutdown, the Federal Housing Administration could halt or slow application approvals. That means big delays for families waiting on mortgages, as well as for developers and homeowners seeking refinancing or rehabilitation funding. First-time buyers that rely on federally backed loans would likely be hit hardest. 

National parks and other publicly administered sites will likely close.

National parks, museums, and monuments will potentially close. If they stay open, facilities will be left without maintenance, which could cause serious damage. That hurts not only families who want to visit, but also local businesses that depend on tourism.

Travellers could see long lines and major delays at airports.

Security lines may get longer if TSA workers call in sick because they’re not being paid. Past shutdowns have caused major delays at airports.

How will it affect my daily life?

Trump’s shutdown would cause uncertainty and stress. Families with federal workers may miss paychecks. Low-income families may have trouble buying food if safety-net programs stall. Across the board, delays in federal processing could make it harder for people to get loans, access benefits, or use the government programs they rely on every day.

And the longer a shutdown lasts, the worse it usually gets. Local economies lose money, federal agencies fall behind on their work, and the whole country feels the strain.

What’s at Stake

This isn’t about politics in Washington. It’s about who our government serves. It’s about whether our government will meet its basic responsibilities – like paying its workers, running programs, and keeping the country safe – or choose to put Trump’s billionaire-friendly agenda first. 

President Trump and his allies in Congress have the power to avoid a shutdown. But when our leaders refuse to compromise, it’s everyday Americans who bear the cost, while the ultra-wealthy go untouched.