U.S. government reopens after record shutdown as political fault-lines remain

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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