A U.S. government shutdown happens when Congress does not pass funding bills for federal operations by the start of the fiscal year, or when a temporary funding measure runs out.
When this occurs, many federal agencies have to halt non-essential services. Some federal employees may be furloughed, while others might have to keep working without pay. Certain government programs can be delayed or temporarily paused. Essential services such as Social Security and Medicare usually continue, but daily operations in several departments can be significantly disrupted.
Shutdowns often create uncertainty in financial markets. Investors worry about delayed federal spending, slower economic reporting, and interruptions in regulatory work. This uncertainty can spill over into other markets and affect assets such as cryptocurrencies.
The Last Shutdown: 2018 to 2019
The most recent U.S. government shutdown lasted from December 22, 2018, to January 25, 2019. At 35 days, it became the longest shutdown in U.S. history.
The standoff between President Donald Trump and Congress over border wall funding left roughly 800,000 federal workers either furloughed or working without pay. Agencies ranging from the Department of Homeland Security to national parks and federal museums were heavily affected.
The shutdown caused widespread economic uncertainty. Many workers faced delayed paychecks, and federal contractors experienced interruptions in payments. Businesses near federal offices and public sites saw fewer customers. Financial markets reacted to the lack of clarity around government operations and spending.
Bitcoin’s Reaction During the Shutdown
Bitcoin mirrored this uncertainty. In December 2018, its price was around $4,014. By the end of the shutdown in January 2019, it had fallen nearly 10 percent to about $3,612. If a similar 10 percent drop happened today, Bitcoin could fall to roughly $100,000.
This decline shows how investors reconsider risk and liquidity when government disruptions occur. While the broader cryptocurrency market was already in a downtrend in late 2018, the shutdown added extra uncertainty and contributed to the temporary price drop.
Why You Should Be Ready to Buy Bitcoin
The 2018–2019 shutdown demonstrates that political and financial uncertainty can create short-term market movements. Investors who are prepared to act quickly can take advantage of temporary dips. Setting up a secure cryptocurrency wallet and knowing how to make purchases ensures that you can act immediately when an opportunity arises.
Market uncertainty can be stressful, but it can also create opportunities. By keeping your funds accessible and your wallet ready, you can respond right away to temporary price declines and make informed decisions without delay.
How to Invest In Bitcoin
A relatively simple yet secure way to invest in Bitcoin is through self-custodial wallets. This method is particularly crucial for investors who cherish their financial freedom and privacy above all else.
Among the best options is Best Wallet, a non-custodial, feature-packed solution endorsed by leading publications, including the New York Post and Money.
Unlike centralized exchanges that require full KYC compliance, Best Wallet allows users to buy, store, and trade Bitcoin and many other cryptocurrencies without submitting any personal information. That alone makes its users immune to CEX-like data breaches.
More so, it is fully self-custodial, meaning users remain in control of their private keys and assets. Its integration of Fireblocks and several other standard security measures like biometric authentication, thorough encryption, and 2FA, delivers a strong line of defense against any form of cyber threat, easily making it one of the most secure crypto wallets on the market.
Buying Bitcoin on Best Wallet is not only safe but also convenient, thanks to its compatibility with all mobile devices. This allows users to manage their assets anytime, anywhere, even while on the go. It has already integrated top-tier on-ramp providers to enable crypto purchases using fiat at the best market rates.
Another reason to pick Best Wallet is its multichain functionality. Currently, it supports six blockchains, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, BNB Smart Chain, Base, Polygon, and Solana. The goal is to integrate 60-plus chains, allowing users to explore tokens and staking opportunities on these networks without creating another wallet.
The platform also prioritizes low fees to help users maximize their gains. Considering that the looming U.S government shutdown could create a strategic “buying the dip opportunity” for Bitcoin investors, Best Wallet’s intuitive yet feature-packed app ensures they can make informed moves without delay.
Among its cutting-edge features turning heads is the “Upcoming Tokens” tool, designed to curate the hottest pre-launch tokens on the market, giving users a significant competitive edge heading into the next bull cycle.
Best Wallet has gained attention from all corners of the crypto community, with influencers like ClayBro calling it the “best crypto wallet with the best features for 2025.”
Visit Best Wallet
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