Federal agencies' websites: A spectrum of reactions to the shutdown

Federal agencies and departments are discussing the recent government shutdown differently. Just take a look at their websites.

The government stalled much of its operations at midnight Wednesday as Congress and the White House remain in a deadlock regarding the 2026 budget.

It’s the first time since December 2018 — during President Donald Trump’s first term — that a federal shutdown has taken place.

Some describe the issue in a matter-of-fact tone, directing online readers to alternative sources of information.

Others blame the “radical left.”

Some don’t mention it at all.

“Democrats have shut down the government”

Several agencies’ websites indicate that Democratic lawmakers have caused the shutdown — using phrases such as “the radical left shutdown” and “Democrat-led government shutdown.”

Take the Department of Agriculture, for example:

“Due to the Radical Left Democrat shutdown, this government website will not be updated during the funding lapse,” its website reads. “President Trump has made it clear he wants to keep the government open and support those who feed, fuel and clothe the American people.”

Such notices could be in violation of the Hatch Act, a law meant to protect government services from partisan politics, according to Reuters.

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services follows a similar tone.

“Mission-critical activities of HHS (Department of Health and Human Services) will continue during the Democrat-led government shutdown,” the centers’ website reads. “Please use this site as a resource as the Trump Administration works to reopen the government for the American people.”

Some agencies get straight to the point, saying that Democrats or “the radical left” “have shut down the government.” Among these are the Department of Housing and Urban Development, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Drug Enforcement Agency and the Department of the Treasury.

Military branches remain neutral on shutdown

The nation’s major military branches — Air Force, Army, Navy and National Guard — posted virtually the same statement on their websites, referring to the shutdown as an expiration of appropriations.

“Military personnel will continue in a normal duty status, without pay, until such time as a continuing resolution or appropriations are passed by Congress and signed into law,” the statement reads. “Civilian personnel not engaged in excepted activities will be placed in a non-work, non-pay status.”

Readers are directed to resources and an FAQ on the issue posted on the Department of War website.

Many agencies inform visitors that their websites will not be updated consistently during the shutdown, including NASA, the Department of Education and the NOAA, or National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, which defers to the National Weather Service for weather updates.

The National Park Service says it will remain in operation but may halt some of its services.

“National parks remain as accessible as possible during the federal government shutdown,” its website says. “However, some services may be limited or unavailable.

The Army Corps of Engineers, Department of Veterans Affairs and Department of Energy are among those whose websites are silent on the shutdown.