WASHINGTON, D.C. Nov 12, 2025 – In a dramatic Oval Office ceremony broadcast live across the nation, President Donald J. Trump affixed his signature to a bipartisan spending bill late Wednesday evening, officially ending the longest federal government shutdown in U.S. history and reopening non-essential operations after 44 grueling days.
Flanked by key Republican lawmakers and a select group of administration officials, Trump declared the move a “total victory” for American workers, while sharply criticizing Democrats for what he called their “reckless shutdown obsession.” The bill, a stopgap measure funding the government through March 2026, allocates $1.2 trillion in discretionary spending without addressing the contentious border wall funding that initially sparked the impasse.
“Democrats wanted to hurt our great federal workers – the heroes who keep America running,” Trump said, his voice booming as he gripped the pen. “But we won. The shutdown is over. Let’s get our country WORKING again!” The president’s remarks, captured in a 51-second White House video, have already garnered over 13,000 likes and 300,000 views on X (formerly Twitter), where the official @WhiteHouse account shared the announcement.
The shutdown, which began on October 1, 2025, over disagreements on immigration enforcement and disaster relief funding, furloughed more than 800,000 federal employees and halted services from national parks to IRS tax processing. It surpassed the previous record of 35 days set during Trump’s first term in 2018-2019, drawing widespread criticism from both parties. Economists estimate the closure cost the U.S. economy upwards of $18 billion, with ripple effects felt by contractors, small businesses, and families relying on government benefits.
House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) hailed the resolution as a “Christmas miracle for working Americans,” crediting Trump’s negotiation tactics. “The president wrote the art of the deal – and he delivered,” Johnson said in a post-ceremony statement. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), however, framed the bill as a temporary bandage, vowing to push for comprehensive reforms in the new year. “This isn’t victory; it’s exhaustion,” Schumer told reporters. “Families suffered needlessly because of partisan brinkmanship.”
Public reaction on social media was polarized. Supporters flooded the White House post with praise, including memes and videos celebrating the “MAGA comeback.” One viral reply quipped, “And this is for you, Democrats. Never mess with the man that wrote the book on the deal.” Critics, meanwhile, pointed to Trump’s role in prolonging the standoff, with one user noting, “Who presided over the two longest shutdowns in history? Donald Trump – twice.”
Federal workers expressed relief but lingering frustration. “We’re back, but what about back pay? What about the lost time?” said Maria Gonzalez, a Smithsonian curator who was furloughed for the duration. The bill includes provisions for retroactive pay, but implementation could take weeks.
As the ink dried on the legislation, Trump turned his focus outward, teasing upcoming executive actions on border security and energy independence. “The Golden Age of America begins right now,” the White House bio proclaimed, echoing the optimistic tone of the evening. With midterm elections looming in 2026, the shutdown’s end could reshape the political landscape, testing whether voters reward resolution or punish the chaos.
For real-time updates, the White House is encouraging supporters to text “USA” to 45470. As Congress adjourns for the holidays, one thing is clear: Washington’s holiday truce is as fragile as ever.
