The U.S. entered its 15th government shutdown on October 1, 2025, under President Donald Trump. This latest lapse in federal funding is part of a decades-long history of shutdowns which began in 1981 with the first shutdown under Ronald Reagan. This graphic visualizes the history of U.S. government shutdowns using data from the U.S. House of Representatives, including the president during the shutdown and how many days the shutdown lasted. A government shutdown happens when Congress fails to pass a funding bill or continuing resolution, preventing parts of the federal government from operating. Essential services, ... (full story)