Updated January 25, 2019 Rule of Law
Major Abuse of Power
Longest Government Shutdown in U.S. History: 35 Days Over Border Wall Funding
The shutdown began when Trump refused to sign a continuing resolution that did not include wall funding, after initially indicating he would sign a bipartisan agreement. Approximately 800,000 federal workers went without pay; those deemed 'essential' — including air traffic controllers, TSA agents, Coast Guard personnel, and federal law enforcement — were required to work without compensation. The TSA began calling out sick in significant numbers, raising aviation safety concerns. Trump reopened the government after 35 days without receiving any wall funding.