TLDR
- White House adviser Kevin Hassett said the US government shutdown will likely end this week after 20 days
- The shutdown has delayed crypto ETF applications for Litecoin, XRP, and Solana at the SEC
- Democrats plan to meet with crypto executives from Coinbase, Circle, and Ripple on Wednesday to discuss market structure legislation
- Polymarket prediction markets show 71% odds the shutdown lasts beyond 30 days until at least October 31
- Republicans and Democrats remain divided over funding priorities including healthcare spending and Affordable Care Act tax credits
The US government shutdown may come to an end soon. White House economic adviser Kevin Hassett told CNBC that the shutdown will likely conclude sometime this week.
Kevin Hassett told CNBC on Monday that the government shutdown is “likely to end sometime this week.”
But if that doesn't happen, the Trump administration may impose “stronger measures” to force Democrats to cooperate. Read his full comments. ⬇️ https://t.co/Pr30PXHyc0
— CNBC (@CNBC) October 20, 2025
The shutdown began on October 1 and has now reached its 20th day. This makes it the third longest government shutdown in US history.
Hassett blamed Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer for the shutdown during his CNBC appearance. He said moderate Democrats will help reopen the government.
Once the government reopens, both parties can negotiate policies through regular order. If Democrats do not cooperate, the Trump administration may impose stronger measures.
Crypto ETF Applications Face Delays
The shutdown has blocked progress on several cryptocurrency projects. Multiple ETF applications are waiting for SEC approval.
Litecoin, XRP, and Solana ETF applications remain pending. The SEC cannot make final decisions while the government remains closed.
Hassett holds over $1 million in Coinbase stock. He is also being considered as a potential replacement for Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell in May 2026.
The shutdown has also affected discussions about Trump’s Strategic Bitcoin Reserve. US lawmakers met with Michael Saylor and 17 other crypto industry leaders in mid-September.
That meeting focused on the Cynthia Lummis-sponsored BITCOIN Act. The legislation aims to facilitate Bitcoin purchases in budget-neutral ways.
Democrats Plan Crypto Industry Meeting
Despite the shutdown, some regulatory work continues. Democratic Senators will host a roundtable with crypto executives on Wednesday.
Representatives from Coinbase, Circle, and Ripple plan to attend. The meeting will discuss how to advance the proposed US crypto market structure bill.
Republicans want a short-term funding resolution at current spending levels. Democrats demand additional healthcare spending and extended Affordable Care Act tax credits.
Hassett suggested Democrats are delaying a vote until after weekend protests against President Trump. He said progress might happen quickly once demonstrations end.
Prediction markets on Polymarket tell a different story. The platform shows 71% odds that the shutdown continues past 30 days.
Traders on Polymarket favor the shutdown ending between October 23 and 26. That outcome has risen from below 10% probability a week ago to about 35% currently.
The likelihood of resolution after mid-November has dropped to around 27%. Trading volumes on Polymarket have increased sharply as investors watch for signs of a breakthrough.