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Shutdowns are a repeat feature of US politics – however the current situation appears particularly intractable because of political dynamics and bad blood between both major parties.

Certain federal operations are temporarily suspended, and about 750,000 employees likely to be placed on unpaid leave as Republicans and Democrats remain unable to reach consensus regarding budget legislation.

Votes aimed at ending the deadlock continue to fall short, and it is hard to see an off-ramp this time because both parties – including the nation's leader – can see some merit in maintaining their positions.

Here are several key factors in which this shutdown distinct in 2025.

First, For Democrats, it's about Trump – not just healthcare

The Democratic base has been demanding over recent periods that their party adopt stronger opposition against the current presidency. Well now the party leadership have an opportunity to show their responsiveness.

Earlier this year, the Senate's top Democrat faced strong criticism after supporting a Republican spending bill and averting a shutdown early this year. This time he's holding firm.

This is a chance for Democrats to show their ability to reclaim some control from an administration pursuing its agenda assertively on its agenda.

Refusing to back the Republican spending plan carries electoral dangers that the wider public will grow frustrated as the dispute drags on and consequences begin to mount.

The Democrats are using the budget standoff to put a spotlight on expiring health insurance subsidies and GOP-backed federal health program reductions affecting low-income populations, which are both unpopular.

They are also trying to restrict executive utilization of presidential authority to rescind or withhold money approved by Congress, which he has done in international assistance and various federal programs.

Second, For Republicans, they see potential

The administration leader and one of his key officials have made little secret their perspective that they perceive an opening to advance further the cutbacks to the federal workforce implemented during in the Republican's second presidency to date.

The President himself said last week that the shutdown had afforded him a "unique chance", adding he intended to reduce funding for "opposition-supported departments".

Administration officials said it would be left with the "unenviable task" of mass lay-offs to maintain critical federal operations should the impasse persist. An administration spokesperson said this was just "budgetary responsibility".

The extent of possible job cuts is still uncertain, but the White House have been consulting with federal budget authorities, or OMB, which is headed by the key official.

The administration's financial chief has already announced the suspension of federal funding for Democratic-run parts of the country, including New York City and Chicago.

Third, Trust Is Lacking between both parties

Whereas past government closures typically involved extended negotiations between the two parties in an effort to get government services running again, currently there seems little of the same spirit for compromise presently.

Instead, there is rancour. The bad blood persisted recently, as both sides blaming each other regarding the deadlock's origin.

The legislative leader a Republican, accused Democrats of not being serious about negotiating, and maintaining positions during discussions "for electoral protection".

Meanwhile, the Senate leader made similar charges at the other side, stating how a Republican promise regarding health funding talks after operations resume can not be taken seriously.

The President himself has escalated tensions by posting a controversial AI-generated image featuring the opposition leader and the top Democrat in the House, in which the legislator is depicted with traditional headwear and a moustache.

The representative with party colleagues called this racist, which was denied by the administration's second-in-command.

4. The US economy is fragile

Analysts expect about 40% of government employees – over 800,000 workers – to face furlough as a result of the government closure.

That will depress spending – with broader economic consequences, including halted environmental approvals, patent approvals, interrupted vendor payments and other kinds of government activity connected to commercial interests cease functioning.

A shutdown also injects fresh instability within economic systems currently experiencing disruption from multiple factors including tariffs, earlier cuts to government spending, enforcement actions and technological advancements.

Analysts estimate that it could shave approximately 0.2% from national economic expansion for each week it lasts.

But the economy typically recoups the majority of interrupted operations following resolution, similar to recovery patterns after major environmental events.

That could be one reason why the stock market have shown limited reaction to the ongoing impasse.

On the other hand, experts indicate should the President carries out his threat of mass firings, the damage could be more long-lasting.