Washington, DC’s tourism industry is intertwined with the federal government. When government shutdowns happen they can be a major disruption to your trip.
In this episode, Rob recaps the 2025 government shutdown and lays out a clear timeline of how it unfolded. He breaks down what actually happens in Washington, DC during a shutdown, which agencies and tourist sites are affected, and why some parts of the visitor experience still feel normal while others grind to a halt.
To wrap it up, Rob shares his take on the real-world impact shutdowns have on DC tourism. This episode is a little wonky but it will make you a smarter traveler. Government shutdowns used to be rare but unfortunately the current political climate makes them feel more likely than ever.
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YouTubeResources mentioned in this episode:
- Video: Is Washington D.C. Open to Tourist During A Government Shutdown? (YouTube)
- Article: Another Victim of the Shutdown: Tourism in the Nation’s Capital (NY Times)
- Article: ‘We were gone far too long.’ House members reflect on longest shutdown (NPR)
- Article: How Trump spent his time during the shutdown (Washington Post)
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