WATCH: What the US shutdown means for politics and policy

Business Day TV speaks to Na’eem Jeenah, senior researcher at the Mapungubwe Institute for Strategic Reflection

February 02, 2026 at 07:44 pm

The American flag flies at half staff at the US Capitol Building on the fifth day of the impeachment trial of former US President Donald Trump, on charges of inciting the deadly attack on the US Capitol, in Washington, on February 13 2021. — The US Capitol in Washington, DC. Picture: (REUTERS/Al Drago)

The US has entered a partial government shutdown after lawmakers failed to agree on funding measures. While most federal services remain operational, the standoff highlights sharp divisions in Washington, particularly over immigration and Homeland Security spending. Business Day TV spoke to Na’eem Jeenah, senior researcher at the Mapungubwe Institute for Strategic Reflection, about what the impasse signals for US politics and governance.