Trump ends the government shutdown โ on February 3, 2026, President Donald Trump signed a major spending bill into law, officially ending a partial U.S. federal government shutdown that lasted about four days (from late January 31/early February 1 through February 3, 2026).
Key Details
- The shutdown began when Congress failed to pass full appropriations for fiscal year 2026 after a prior continuing resolution expired. It affected roughly 78% of federal operations, leading to furloughs for many federal employees (including air traffic controllers and others), though essential services like Social Security payments and national security continued.
- The deal was a bipartisan compromise negotiated amid intense disputes, primarily over funding and restrictions for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Democrats pushed for guardrails on Trump's aggressive immigration enforcement policies, especially after recent high-profile incidents involving federal agents.
- The House passed the bill narrowly (217-214) on February 3, with some Democratic support. The Senate had approved an earlier version. Trump signed it shortly after in the Oval Office, declaring it a "great victory for the American people" and reopening most government functions.
- Funding outcome: Most federal agencies (e.g., Defense, HHS, Transportation, Education, Treasury) are now funded through September 30, 2026 (end of the fiscal year). DHS received only short-term funding through February 13, 2026, setting up another potential funding cliff and negotiations over ICE operations.
Context and Impact
This was the second partial shutdown in Trump's second term (following one earlier in late 2025), though much shorter than the record 43-day shutdown during his first term. Trump pressured Republicans to support the deal to avoid prolonged disruption, especially with midterms approaching. Federal employees are expected to receive back pay for furlough days.
Recent X posts (as of early February 4, 2026 EAT) reflect the news breaking globally, with many calling it bullish for markets due to reduced uncertainty, alongside celebrations from supporters and notes on the ongoing DHS drama.
The government is now reopened and operating normally for most functions, but watch for developments around February 13 when DHS funding expires. This resolution aligns with Trump's push for swift action on his agenda, including immigration priorities.