Washington, D.C. — The U.S. government shutdown entered its fourth week on Tuesday, leaving federal agencies, airports, and communities across the nation grappling with significant disruptions. President Donald Trump met with GOP senators at the White House to discuss potential resolutions, calling Democrats “obstructionists” while signaling that he could be open to negotiations if they presented a substantive proposal. Multiple Republican leaders who attended the meeting suggested that while Trump appeared willing to discuss terms, no breakthrough agreement has been reached so far.
The impasse has created tangible consequences across the country. Airports in Houston, Chicago, and Newark reported major flight delays, driven largely by a shortage of air traffic controllers. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reported 192 staffing shortages since the shutdown began, more than four times the number observed on comparable days last year. At Chicago O’Hare International Airport, average delays reached 38 minutes Tuesday evening, while flights to Houston Intercontinental were delayed on the ground for nearly 80 minutes. Newark Liberty International Airport faced an average delay of 32 minutes. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy noted that some FAA employees have taken unscheduled time off as a form of protest for unpaid work during the closure. FlightAware, a flight-tracking site, reported over 3,000 delayed flights nationwide on Tuesday, highlighting the widespread operational impact of the shutdown.
Senate Democrats have also intensified political opposition to the Trump administration’s policies during the shutdown. Oregon Senator Jeff Merkley spoke for more than three hours on the Senate floor, protesting what he described as the president’s threats to democratic norms. Merkley cited the administration’s halting of university research grants, the recent indictments of political opponents, and the deployment of National Guard troops to Portland as evidence of overreach. “President Trump wants the American people to believe that cities like Portland are in chaos. If he can frame it as rebellion, he can justify authoritarian measures,” Merkley said during his speech.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer echoed these concerns, emphasizing that Democrats would not change their tactics regarding health care subsidies. With key programs such as WIC and SNAP facing funding shortages, Schumer stressed that the Republican-led administration should take responsibility for negotiating a resolution to protect vulnerable Americans. “The country is facing a health care crisis unlike anything we’ve seen,” Schumer said. “Instead of leaving the country or traveling abroad, the president should sit down with us and negotiate.”
President Trump also addressed a series of related issues on Tuesday. When asked about a New York Times report claiming he may seek $230 million from the Justice Department over past investigations, Trump said he could pursue the funds but would likely donate them to charity or use them to renovate the White House. “It’s interesting because I’m the one that makes the decision,” Trump said. “But if the government owes me money, I’ll do something good with it.”
Additionally, Trump reaffirmed his authority to deploy the National Guard at his discretion, following a recent appellate court ruling that endorsed troop deployment to Portland. The administration has requested Supreme Court review to allow a similar deployment in Chicago. Trump stated, “That was a very strong opinion confirming our right to use the National Guard. If I see problems in other cities, we have the authority to act.”
On the international stage, Trump described a “great conversation” with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, focusing on trade issues and bilateral relations. While Trump previously suggested that India would cease purchasing Russian oil, a spokesperson for the Indian government has said there is no official confirmation of such an agreement. Meanwhile, a planned meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin appears to have been put on hold, with Trump indicating that it may no longer be a top priority. However, he is scheduled to meet NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte on Wednesday to discuss ongoing efforts to resolve the Ukraine conflict.
The federal workforce continues to feel the impact of the shutdown. The Education Department has cut staff responsible for special education programs, raising concerns about the provision of services to approximately 7.4 million students with disabilities nationwide. Officials are exploring the possibility of transferring oversight of these programs to other federal agencies, although no agreements have been finalized. The department emphasized that the goal is to maintain uninterrupted services for students while streamlining operations.
In addition, Trump’s nominee to lead the Office of Special Counsel, Paul Ingrassia, announced he would withdraw from his confirmation hearing after failing to secure enough Republican support amid controversy over allegedly offensive text messages. A White House official confirmed that the nomination remains under review.
Communities have also been stepping in to assist affected federal employees and contractors. The Capital Area Food Bank in Washington, D.C., distributed supplies to more than 370 households on Tuesday, supporting those unable to access regular services due to the prolonged shutdown. Similar relief efforts are underway across the country, reflecting the widespread human impact of the ongoing stalemate in Congress.
With the government shutdown entering its fourth week, there is little indication of a swift resolution. Lawmakers remain at an impasse over funding priorities, health care subsidies, and agency operations, leaving federal services, critical programs, and communities nationwide under strain. Observers note that the continuing deadlock highlights the challenges of governance during a period of intense political polarization and underscores the real-world consequences of prolonged policy disputes.