U.S. Government Shutdown Sorely Tests National Security State

U.S. Government Shutdown Sorely Tests National Security State

One month into federal funding shortfall, U.S. defense and diplomacy resources are being stretched.

U.S. troops in camouflage uniforms are seen from behind as they walk along a path in front of the U.S. Capitol. The sun rises in the background, glinting on the building's white dome with a bright burst of light. October 28, 2025, 6:04 PM Comment icon View Comments ( )

Trump’s Second Term

Ongoing reports and analysis

Nearly one month into the U.S. federal government shutdown, foreign-policy and national security needs are being increasingly strained in subtle and not-so-subtle ways.

So far, the White House, State Department, Defense Department, and other agencies have mostly minimized the negative impacts to U.S. d