Trump demands border wall funding Senate Democrats block appropriations triggering 35-day shutdown

On December 22, 2018, the federal government shuts down after Democrats refuse to support a continuing resolution that includes $5.7 billion for construction of a wall on the U.S.-Mexico border. President Trump, who ran on a campaign promise of building a wall funded by Mexico, demands the funding despite Mexico's consistent refusal to pay. Initially, Trump appears willing to compromise, but on December 20 he reverses course under pressure from conservative supporters and allies in media. Democrats, led by Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and incoming House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, oppose the wall as wasteful and ineffective. They propose alternative border security measures but refuse funding for wall construction. Approximately 800,000 federal workers are either furloughed or required to work without pay. The shutdown persists through the holiday season and into January 2019 as both sides dig in.