The U.S. government has officially shut down following a deadlock in Congress over budget negotiations. Despite attempts to extend funding, lawmakers were unable to reach a consensus, leading to many federal services grinding to a halt. President Trump has shielded immigration and trade from the fallout of the shutdown, while threats of mass firings loom over federal employees. The political landscape is tense, with significant blame being cast between Democrats and Republicans as public sentiment shifts. Many federal workers face uncertainty, and it remains unclear how long the shutdown will last or what its ultimate impact will be on the economy and federal operations.