The government shutdown exceeded Trump’s 36-day record, making this the longest shutdown in the history of the United States government. What this means is that flights were delayed, national parks closed, and museums were temporarily shut down. This affected every citizen of The United States. Everything occurring right now divides people in multiple ways; when in actuality the population should be uniting and forming bonds over the current state of affairs. 

Students reflect on the shutdown because, despite being young, students can remain informed whether it be from news sources or even just hearing about the shutdown through social media where the information is rampant. Many posts have been circling through almost every app used for both entertainment and news. Political short form videos from both sides can be seen all over Instagram, Facebook, X, and more, attempting to influence adults and students alike. 

For most, the recent shutdown has caused turmoil for students in terms of their view of American politics.

“It has been a little bit disappointing, because I would have expected things to have been done by now, like, it’s the longest one in history now.” Jackson Adams (11) said. Back when the shutdown was still ongoing many people were in a state of stress, even the young scholars learning about the shutdown in some of their classes. 

The shutdown ended on Nov. 12, lasting over 43 days. The senate’s revised bill passed and President Trump signed on it later that day. Despite the shutdown ending, there is still a lasting impact on Americans nationwide.

Brandon Walker is an airway transportation system specialist for the FAA, due to this he went without pay for all 43 days that was the shutdown. For an actual worker that was affected, it goes beyond just staying informed, it means to have to reform and find new ways to generate money. 

“Stress is high, I still have to provide for my family and cover other expenses. I had to pull from a savings account,” Walker said. “It got to a point where I had to start looking for a second job.”

From a student perspective, just learning about the shutdown, teachers have a civilian standpoint on the shutdown:

“But when it gets to the point of deliberation, where people are out of work and questioning whether or not they’re going to be able to put food on the table I mean, that’s going to hinder their trust in government.” social studies teacher Mrs. Holmes states in relation to a question of her trust in America’s government from a voter’s standpoint.  

Students themselves had also started getting disappointed on how long the government shutdown had lasted.

“They’re being really childish about it,” Savannah Hunt (9) said. “You guys are adults.”

Students repeatedly said that they feel like there had been a serious lack of communication, which is why it lasted just as long as it did. 

The lasting impact of the government shutdown extend beyond what the future generation will learn in history class. It will influence the way students and voters view American democracy in the future; whether they perceive it to be tainted, or strengthened. The country where we the people are free to decide how they will see it, if they decide to create an opinion at all. Since the shutdown has ended, there have been more smiles on workers’ facesc and clearer skies over the land of the free.