First thing on October 1st, 2025, the government of the United States shut down. This is the first time this particular incident has occurred since President Donald Trump’s first term in 2018. The shutdown is a result of both Republican and Democratic lawmakers being unable to come to an agreement in regards to the budget and how money is being spent. However, this can raise questions for Americans of every kind. 

Any American planning to travel during this time can expect a few things, including delays, long security lines, and waiting longer for travel documents to be processed. Delays and waiting to get through TSA was an issue that Americans faced in 2018, when air traffic controllers and TSA workers began to call off work, rather than work for free. Federal employees, during the shut down, will not be able to receive payment for/from their jobs. Workers that are not deemed “essential” may be asked to stay home, and in the past have then sought second jobs. 

National Park Rangers and other employees have been asked to stay home, while the parks themselves remain open during the shut down. Due to the US Postal Service not relying on congress for funding, their employees will continue with business as normal, and mail will still be delivered. 

In contrast, there may be some issues with healthcare programs enlisted to help the elderly and the poor. Medicare and Medicaid will remain the same, with the exception of potential issues due to staffing shortages. In regards to food assistance programs, WIC, a Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children is expected to dry up very quickly. The program that was formerly known as Food Stamps, (now called the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) is not expected to run out of funds as quickly as WIC, but is at risk of doing so.