The United States government shutdown has now extended into its third week, with Congress remaining deadlocked over spending disputes. The impasse has already led to significant job losses and widespread uncertainty among federal employees. President Donald Trump has intensified pressure on Democrats by threatening to cut programs perceived as aligned with the opposition party, while also vowing to ensure military personnel receive their paychecks despite the ongoing crisis. Over 4,000 federal employees were reportedly laid off last Friday, with key departments such as the Treasury, Health, Education, and Housing bearing the brunt of the cuts. The shutdown has also impacted military families, with food banks reporting a surge in demand. Trump announced plans to redirect funds to pay troops, though the legality of this move remains unclear. Meanwhile, Democratic leaders Chuck Schumer and Hakeem Jeffries have dismissed the layoffs as reversible through legal challenges. The stalemate continues as Republicans refuse to include Democratic demands for extending health insurance subsidies in the funding resolution. With Congress on recess for a federal holiday, the shutdown is set to persist, further straining public services and increasing delays at airports due to unpaid Transportation Security Administration workers. The Smithsonian Institution has also closed its National Zoo and museums, adding to the growing list of shutdown-related disruptions.