Trump Signs Deal to End Longest US Government Shutdown in History

Reuters

US President Donald Trump.

US President Donald Trump has signed a deal to reopen the federal government, bringing an end to the longest shutdown in the nation’s history.

The agreement, reached after weeks of political deadlock, temporarily restores funding to government agencies following a 35-day partial shutdown that left hundreds of thousands of federal employees without pay.

Speaking at the White House, President Trump announced that he had signed a short-term funding bill to reopen the government until a more permanent budget agreement can be reached. The deal does not include funding for the controversial border wall with Mexico — a key demand that had been at the centre of the impasse between the White House and Congress.

Trump said the decision was made to “relieve the suffering” of government workers affected by the closure, adding that negotiations over border security would continue. “We have reached a deal to end the shutdown and reopen the government,” he said, expressing confidence that a long-term agreement would soon be finalised.

The shutdown, which began in December, disrupted a wide range of public services, from airport security to food inspections, and sparked widespread criticism over the impact on workers and the economy.

Federal employees are expected to receive back pay as operations resume across departments in the coming days.



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