The Longest U.S. Government Shutdown in Over 40 Years — A Look at Recent Shutdowns
Washington, D.C. — The U.S. federal government’s shutdown that began December 22, 2018, and ended January 25, 2019, remains the longest in more than 40 years. It lasted 35 days and marked a new record for duration, driven by a dispute over funding for a border wall.
Here’s what we know about that shutdown—and how it stacks up against other recent shutdowns.
Key Facts
- Length: 35 days — longest shutdown in U.S. history.
- Trigger: President Trump demanded $5.7 billion in border wall funding; Congress refused to approve a funding bill including that amount.
- Effect: Hundreds of thousands of federal employees were either furloughed (sent home without pay) or forced to work without pay; many government services were halted or disrupted.
Shutdowns in Recent Decades: How 2018-2019 Compares
Here are several of the most significant shutdowns since the mid-1970s, for comparison:
| Time Period | Duration | President | Main Cause / Trigger |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dec 22, 2018 – Jan 25, 2019 | 35 days | Donald Trump | Border wall funding dispute. |
| Dec 1995 – Jan 1996 | 21 days | Bill Clinton | Budget standoff between President and Congress. |
| Oct 1 – Oct 17, 2013 | 16 days | Barack Obama | Disagreements over funding and policy issues. |
| Sept-Oct 1978 | ~18 days | Jimmy Carter | Disputes over appropriations and spending priorities. |
Why It Matters
- Historical benchmark: The 35-day shutdown in 2018-19 is now the standard by which future shutdowns are judged. Because it's the longest, it highlights how severe the political gridlock has become when budget negotiations break down.
- Economic and social cost: Shutdowns of this length create real hardship—delayed pay, suspended services, uncertainty for federal employees and contractors, and broader ripple effects in communities.
- Trend toward longer shutdowns: While many shutdowns in past decades were short (a few days), recent ones have shown a pattern of being more extended in duration. Eskewed political polarization makes agreement harder and deadlines more likely to pass without funding in
