The US government has entered its first shutdown in nearly seven years after Congress failed to reach a last-minute funding agreement.
As a result, hundreds of thousands of federal employees now face furloughs or possible layoffs, while national parks and museums risk closure. Past shutdowns have also caused air travel delays due to staffing shortages.
The way forward remains uncertain, with both parties trading blame for the deadlock. Despite urgent negotiations, the Senate’s attempts to pass a funding measure collapsed late Tuesday.
President Donald Trump has further escalated tensions, warning of mass dismissals and cuts to federal benefits he claims are key priorities for Democrats.