The federal government shutdown has dragged on for three weeks with no resolution. Despite mounting economic and social costs, both parties remain entrenched in their positions, while U.S. President Donald Trump, often regarded as the country’s top dealmaker, has yet to assert a decisive role, according to CNN.

Shutdown Continues Amid Political Gridlock

While Democrats are actively communicating with their mobilized voter base, Republicans struggle to extend their reach beyond core supporters. Meanwhile, Trump’s relative silence has left a leadership vacuum. The deadlock reflects the absence of any clear strategy to end what is shaping up to be the second-longest government shutdown in U.S. history following his upcoming Asia trip, contrasting with former President Barack Obama, who once canceled regional travel during a similar impasse in 2013.

Economic and Social Costs Mount

The shutdown’s consequences are mounting. Hundreds of thousands of federal workers are on unpaid leave, and additional staff have been furloughed. On Monday, many experts at the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA), responsible for overseeing the U.S. nuclear stockpile, were furloughed. Over the weekend, gaps in air traffic control personnel increased, signaling potential travel disruptions if the impasse extends through Thanksgiving.

Critical nutrition assistance for 42 million Americans is nearing its end, creating urgency for families relying on federal programs. Federal employees facing mortgage and car payments, along with millions who rely on government services, are experiencing severe financial strain. Yet, this widespread hardship has not yet compelled leaders from either party to engage in serious negotiations. Three weeks into the shutdown, no progress has been made beyond initial standoffs, and both sides continue to assign blame to the other.

Parties May Be Forced to Change Tactics

Democrats have used the shutdown to create leverage for extending subsidies under the Affordable Care Act, preventing insurance premiums from soaring at year-end for millions of policyholders. Republicans, however, have resisted concessions on these and other issues, maintaining the standoff despite the growing economic and social toll.

The deadlock underscores that without strategic compromise, both parties may eventually need to adjust tactics to avoid further escalating the shutdown’s human and financial costs.