White House economic advisor Kevin Hassett stated on October 20, 2025, that the ongoing U.S. federal government shutdown—now in its 20th day—is “likely to end sometime this week.”
Speaking on CNBC’s Squawk Box, Hassett expressed optimism that moderate Democrats in the Senate would move forward with a vote to reopen the government, potentially as early as this week ending October 25, 2025, allowing subsequent negotiations on policy issues like extending Affordable Care Act (ACA) tax credits.
The U.S. federal government shutdown, now in its third week, has become the second-longest in history, surpassing the 21-day shutdown of 2018-2019 but trailing the record 35-day one from late 2018 to early 2019.
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It began on October 1, 2025, after Congress failed to pass a funding bill ahead of the fiscal year deadline, amid disputes over extending Affordable Care Act (ACA) subsidies and broader spending priorities.
Republicans, controlling the White House, House, and Senate, have passed short-term continuing resolutions (CRs) in the House, but Senate Democrats have blocked them multiple times—now 11 votes deep—demanding protections for ACA tax credits set to expire at year’s end.
The shutdown began around October 1, 2025, after Congress failed to pass a continuing resolution (CR) to fund the government beyond the fiscal year deadline. It’s one of the longest in U.S. history, surpassing the 2018-2019 shutdown in duration as of October 18.
It has furloughed hundreds of thousands of federal workers, delayed paychecks (e.g., House aides won’t see funds until after Thanksgiving if unresolved), and disrupted services like national park access and Smithsonian operations though the latter may continue briefly on reserves.
Republicans, controlling Congress and the White House under President Trump, demand spending cuts and reforms tied to Project 2025 initiatives, including reductions in “Democrat agencies.”
Democrats insist on protecting ACA subsidies set to expire end-2025 and avoiding deep cuts, leading to a partisan standoff. Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) has floated a compromise vote to extend ACA credits in exchange for reopening the government.
Hassett suggested Democrats delayed action due to “bad optics” ahead of nationwide “No Kings” protests against Trump scheduled for this weekend October 25-26. Public polls largely blame Republicans for the impasse, with strong bipartisan support for ACA extensions.
Potential Timeline for Resolution
Hassett’s prediction hinges on Senate action post-protests, but key dates to watch include: October 24-25: Possible CR vote if moderates align. October 31: End-of-month pay cycle for federal workers, adding urgency. November 21: Previously proposed CR extension date, if no deal is reached sooner.
If no agreement materializes, Hassett warned of “stronger measures,” such as expanded “Reductions in Force” permanent layoffs already underway or further agency cuts.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD)’s recent overtures. He proposed swapping ACA credit extensions for immediate government reopening, but Democrats insist on bundling both to avoid piecemeal concessions.
However, as of October 22, no breakthrough has occurred—Senate Republicans met with Trump at the White House yesterday October 21 for lunch in the Rose Garden, but emerged without a deal. Thune reiterated that Democrats hold the key, blaming their “fear of the radical left” for the delay.
President Trump, meanwhile, has doubled down on criticism of Democrats, posting on Truth Social about “Democrat Agencies” as “political SCAM[s]” and meeting with OMB Director Russ Vought to discuss potential cuts. Trump is set to depart for an Asia trip on October 26, adding urgency to resolve before then
The news has sparked optimism in financial circles, with some viewing an end to the shutdown as “bullish” for markets and sectors like crypto regulation delayed by the impasse.
On X, discussions range from bullish crypto takes to shares of Hassett’s comments, reflecting relief amid economic uncertainty. This situation remains fluid—Congressional leaders have shown little progress so far, but Hassett’s remarks signal internal White House confidence in a breakthrough.
CNN analysis on October 21 described “stasis” in Washington, with neither party budging amid blame games. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) accused Republicans of using the shutdown for “stronger measures” like layoffs.
GOP figures like Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC) slammed Democrats for “blabbing” during marathon protest speeches like Sen. Jeff Merkley’s overnight filibuster-style address against Trump.