US government shutdown begins as Republicans and Democrats trade blame

This is the first government shutdown in the country since 2019.

The shuttering of the federal government means that hundreds of thousands of federal employees will be furloughed, while others who are considered essential will have to keep reporting for work — though many won’t get paid until the impasse ends, reported CNN.

The official website of the White House now features a clock, showing the duration of the government shutdown.

The White House blamed the Democrats for the current situation.

Beneath the clock, the White House website wrote a message that read: "Democrats have shut down the government."

Both Democrats and Republicans have begun blaming each other for the current crisis.

Democrats and Republicans continue exchanging barbs

House Speaker Mike Johnson slammed the Democrats and wrote on X: "Democrats have officially voted to CLOSE the government."

"Results: Moms and kids now lose WIC nutrition. Veterans lose health care and suicide prevention programs. FEMA has shortfalls during hurricane season. Soldiers and TSA agents go UNPAID," he said.

Blaming Republicans for the current situation, former US Vice President Kamala Harris said: "President Trump and Congressional Republicans just shut down the government because they refused to stop your health care costs from rising."

She further said: "Let me be clear: Republicans are in charge of the White House, House, and Senate. This is their shutdown."