Trump Signs Bill Ending Longest Government Shutdown in US History

Washington D.C. (BBC): US President Donald Trump has signed a funding bill to officially end the longest government shutdown in American history, marking the reopening of federal agencies after 43 days of closure. The move comes as a major relief to hundreds of thousands of unpaid government employees and a step toward political normalcy in Washington — at least for now.

Trump Hails the Moment as “A Great Day”

Inside the Oval Office, President Trump signed the bill after it cleared both chambers of Congress — the Senate earlier in the week and the House of Representatives, which passed it by 222 votes to 209. Speaking to reporters, Trump declared, “The country has never been in better shape… It’s a great day.”

The bill restores funding for federal departments and agencies, guarantees back pay for affected workers, and resumes suspended government programs. It concludes a standoff that began on October 1, surpassing the previous record of 35 days from Trump’s first term.

Congress Ends Stalemate After 43 Days

After weeks of gridlock, the breakthrough came when the Senate reached a compromise on Sunday, setting the stage for Monday’s House approval and Trump’s signature on Tuesday. Thousands of furloughed workers are now returning to work, while government operations gradually resume.

Despite the relief, political analysts warn that the root causes of the shutdown — disagreements over healthcare subsidies and budget priorities — remain unresolved. With midterm elections approaching, Democrats are expected to challenge Republican fiscal policies that could lead to higher healthcare costs for millions of Americans.

Political Fallout Overshadowed by Epstein Controversy

The celebration over the government’s reopening was quickly eclipsed by a parallel controversy: renewed attention on the Jeffrey Epstein investigation. On the same day Congress reconvened, the House Oversight Committee released new documents related to Epstein, while Congresswoman Adelita Grijalva’s swearing-in provided the final signature required for a motion demanding full disclosure of Justice Department files.

The timing infuriated Trump, who complained on Truth Social, calling it an attempt by Democrats to “deflect from their failures during the shutdown.” The renewed focus on Epstein diverted public attention from what the administration hoped would be a day of political triumph.

Trump Declares Political Victory Despite Fallout

At a Veterans Day ceremony in Arlington, Trump praised Republicans for their unity and described the reopening of the government as “a very big victory.” In a Fox News interview, he criticized Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer, saying, “He thought he could break the Republican Party — and the Republicans broke him.”

Although Trump faced criticism during the shutdown — at one point rebuking Senate Republicans for not eliminating the filibuster rule — he emerged without conceding major policy ground. His approval ratings have dipped slightly, but with a year until the next elections, Trump appears confident that his administration can recover politically.

The reopening of the government signals a temporary pause in Washington’s partisan gridlock, but deep divisions remain. Analysts say the shutdown’s economic and social toll may linger long after federal operations return to normal.