The political stalemate in the United States has intensified as the federal government shutdown has now entered its 22nd consecutive day, marking it as the second-longest in the nation’s history. The crisis is worsening as the deadlock in Congress between Democrats and Republicans persists with no agreement in sight.
At the heart of the dispute is funding for healthcare. Democrats are pushing for an extension of subsidies for health facilities, arguing that failing to do so could strip millions of Americans of their access to medical treatment.
Conversely, President Donald Trump and the Republican party are holding a firm line: they insist that any negotiations on health funding will only occur after the government is reopened.
The human cost of this political battle is immense, with 2.3 million federal employees either furloughed (sent on forced leave) or compelled to work without pay. Economists have issued warnings that a prolonged shutdown could inflict significant damage on the US economy.
Adding to the turmoil, sources report the Trump administration is now attempting to initiate large-scale dismissals across various agencies. However, legal experts have quickly flagged this controversial move as potentially illegal.
