The federal government entered a shutdown on October 1, 2025, following a failure by Congress to reach an agreement on key budget measures. The shutdown has already begun to disrupt several federal services, and officials warn that if funding is not restored soon, major national landmarks — including the Statue of Liberty — could face temporary closure.
Tourism operators and local officials in New York have expressed concern about the potential economic impact of such closures. The Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, both managed by the National Park Service, attract millions of visitors annually and contribute significantly to the city’s tourism revenue.
During previous government shutdowns, states such as New York intervened with temporary funding to keep attractions open. However, Governor Kathy Hochul has not yet confirmed whether similar measures will be implemented this time, stating that the situation remains under review pending federal negotiations.
Meanwhile, federal employees across various agencies have been placed on furlough, and several public programs — including environmental services and research initiatives — are facing delays.
The White House continues to urge lawmakers to reach a compromise, emphasizing the broader economic consequences of prolonged inaction. If the deadlock persists, analysts warn that the shutdown could extend beyond tourist disruptions and begin affecting critical national operations in the coming weeks.
