The most recent U.S. government shutdown started at 12:01 a.m. EDT on October 1, 2025. This shutdown began because Congress failed to pass appropriations legislation to fund the government for the 2026 fiscal year, resulting in a lapse of funding and the temporary closure of many federal operations.

Earlier notable shutdowns include the longest in history which lasted 35 days from December 22, 2018, to January 25, 2019. Government shutdowns typically occur when Congress cannot agree on a budget or continuing resolution before the fiscal year starts on October 1.

So, the current government shutdown of 2025 started precisely at midnight on October 1, 2025.