57 days and counting… Trump sets record for longest government shutdown during his presidency

U.S. President Donald Trump has set a record for the total duration of a government shutdown during his presidency. His first-term shutdown lasted 36 days, and the ongoing shutdown has now reached 22 days, reports RBC.

Trump’s record was established on Oct. 22, with the combined duration of shutdowns across his two terms totaling 57 days. The previous record of 56 days was set by U.S. 39th President, Democrat Jimmy Carter.

During a shutdown, only employees essential for protecting life and property — such as doctors, military personnel, and others (including the president and members of Congress) — continue to work.

Approximately 1.4 million federal employees are either furloughed or working without pay. The U.S. administration has also announced plans to reduce 4,100 federal positions, mainly in the departments of finance, health and social services, education, housing, and urban development.

According to Oxford Economics, the government shutdown slows economic growth by 0.1–0.2% per week. If it lasts an entire quarter, GDP growth could drop by 1.2–2.4%.

The new fiscal year in the U.S. officially begins on Oct. 1. Because senators from both parties could not reach an agreement, and Congress failed to pass a budget, U.S. law prohibits federal agencies from spending money without congressional approval, forcing government employees to take mandatory unpaid leave.