As of November 12, 2025, the U.S. federal government is in its 43rd day of shutdown, setting a new record for the longest-ever funding lapse. From national parks to permit offices, a wide range of services remain frozen, leaving millions of Americans in limbo.
Analysts highlight that this deadlock reflects an intensifying partisan struggle. Both the Republican and Democratic parties have leveraged the impasse to blame each other and advance political agendas, yet there are no signs of compromise on the horizon.
Our Miami correspondent spoke with local residents about the real-world toll. One laid-off contractor told us, "People can only overdraw their future to make ends meet." With paychecks delayed and benefits suspended, individuals and families across the country are grappling with mounting bills and uncertainty.
Beyond immediate hardships, this shutdown underscores a broader challenge: how deep political polarization can stall governance, erode public trust and ripple through economies worldwide. For young global citizens and changemakers, it’s a vivid case study in the stakes of democratic gridlock.
As the standoff drags on, observers from Tokyo to Berlin are watching closely. The lessons of this record-breaking shutdown may well shape how democracies navigate the tension between party politics and public welfare in an interconnected age.
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U. S. government shutdown breaks record, citizens pay the price
cgtn.com
