After 43 days of political deadlock, the United States has finally reopened for business — but the damage is deep. President Donald Trump has signed a deal to end the longest federal shutdown in American history. Nearly 1.4 million federal workers are returning to work, but many face a backlog of unpaid wages, unanswered calls, and unresolved duties. From empty airport towers to piled-up discrimination complaints, the effects are visible across the country. Safety net programmes have only just resumed. Meanwhile, critical economic data — including unemployment figures and GDP growth — were never collected, leaving policymakers to operate blindly. And the truce is temporary. The funding deal only lasts until January’s end, fuelling fears of another possible shutdown. Confidence in the U.S. system has taken a hit — both at home and abroad — with lasting implications for America’s economic stability and global reputation.