The 2018–2019 United States federal government shutdown initiated a period of extensive political strife, marking the longest shutdown in U.S. history. The impasse occurred primarily over disagreements on federal budget allocations, which were exacerbated by President Donald Trump’s demand for $5 billion in funding for the construction of a wall along the U.S.-Mexico border. This request was pivotal to his administration's immigration policy and campaign promises, provoking significant opposition from Congressional Democrats, who favored alternative funding priorities and broader immigration reforms.

The shutdown commenced on December 22, 2018, and affected close to a quarter of the federal government, including major agencies such as the Departments of Homeland Security, Justice, and Transportation. Many public services were brought to a standstill, leading to about 800,000 federal employees being furloughed or working without pay. National parks faced limited services, visa and passport applications slowed down, and various government programs were eliminated, putting pressure on an already strained public sector.

As the shutdown extended into the new year, it not only fueled a broader debate about immigration and public safety but also highlighted the challenges of bipartisan governance in a deeply polarized political climate. Negotiations between Congressional leadership and the Trump administration fluctuated, with proposals for compromises emerging but ultimately failing to reach a consensus. The shutdown lasted 35 days, concluding on January 25, 2019, when temporary funding was agreed upon, but the underlying issues regarding border security continued to linger in American political discourse.