The U.S. government is set to resume operations on Thursday after the longest shutdown in American history left air traffic disrupted, food aid suspended for low-income families, and more than one million federal workers unpaid for over a month.
Despite the reopening, the deep political fractures that caused the 43-day impasse remain unresolved. The funding agreement offers few limits on President Donald Trump’s control over spending, continuing tensions with Congress over budget authority. It also sidesteps the expiring health care subsidies that initially pushed Senate Democrats to block the earlier budget proposal.
The shutdown exposed sharp divides within the Democratic Party as well — between progressives demanding stronger opposition to Trump and moderates wary of overreach while Republicans maintain control of both chambers. Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer now faces mounting criticism, even though he voted against the final deal.
Around 1.4 million federal employees who worked without pay are expected to receive back wages starting Saturday, with full payments due by Wednesday, according to the White House. Trump’s team had earlier threatened to withhold pay for some categories of workers, but there was no indication that it will do so.
“I’m happy to see all my coworkers again. I brought in some pastries so we can enjoy our first day back,” said Stanley Stocker, an Interior Department employee returning to work.
Although Trump fired several thousand federal employees during the shutdown, the funding bill ensures their reinstatement, requiring agencies to reverse dismissals within five days.
Public opinion shows neither side escaped blame. A Reuters/Ipsos poll found 50% of Americans held Republicans responsible for the shutdown, while 47% blamed Democrats.
The reopening may prove short-lived: the new deal only funds the government until 30 January, raising fears of another standoff early next year.
Amid all the political turmoil, one topic was notably absent — discussion of the $38 trillion national debt, which remains on track to grow by about $1.8 trillion annually, as Congress once again postponed tough fiscal decisions.
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At least 11 people were killed in Israeli strikes on southern Lebanon on Saturday, among the deadliest since a June ceasefire. Meanwhile, Qatar denied holding Iranian pilots. It said it had found the remains of one pilot after an airspace violation and had contacted Iran to coordinate a handover.
U.S. President Donald Trump says Washington is not seeking an extension of its memorandum of understanding with Iran, claiming the U.S. already controls the Strait of Hormuz through its naval blockade.
Iran has said the Strait of Hormuz will remain closed until the U.S. fulfils the terms of an interim deal, including lifting the maritime blockade and sanctions and releasing Iran’s frozen assets.
Ukraine has targeted at least 20 Wildberries warehouses across Russia since 18 July, disrupting a major logistics network. Kyiv says the strikes aim to disrupt alleged military-linked supplies, while the attacks have caused billions of dollars in losses and wider economic pressure.
South Korea's presidential Blue House said on Monday it was reviewing U.S. President Donald Trump's comments on scaling back joint military drills. It added that it hoped a favourable relationship between Washington and Pyongyang could lead to meaningful talks.
Britain will continue to support Ukraine “100 per cent” against Russia’s invasion, Prime Minister Andy Burnham said on Tuesday, after Moscow warned London of consequences over reports that British-made drones had been used in strikes on Russian territory.
Russia has summoned Japan’s ambassador to Moscow and delivered a strong protest over what it called “anti-Russian” remarks by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi concerning four disputed islands.
Pakistan is turning to more U.S. crude as disruption around the Strait of Hormuz exposes the risks of its heavy reliance on Gulf energy supplies.
U.S. Forces Korea (USFK) Commander Xavier Brunson visited South Korea's Defence Ministry on Tuesday to discuss plans to scale back the joint Ulchi Freedom Shield military exercise, according to media reports.
European countries are stepping up investment in drones and counter-drone technology as unmanned systems reshape modern warfare, driving demand for new production and capabilities across the continent.
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