Pressure Mounts to Recall Congress During Partial Shutdown

Celebrity news site TMZ joins former president Trump in calls for lawmakers to return to work.

Apr. 1, 2026 at 5:59am

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As the partial government shutdown drags on, pressure is growing from unexpected sources like the celebrity news site TMZ to bring Congress back into session. Former President Trump has also joined the chorus of voices demanding lawmakers return to Washington to resolve the impasse.

Why it matters

The ongoing partial government shutdown has disrupted federal services and left hundreds of thousands of government workers without pay. With no clear end in sight, the pressure to find a solution is mounting from both political and pop culture figures, underscoring the widespread frustration with the gridlock in Congress.

The details

TMZ, known for its celebrity gossip coverage, has surprisingly taken an interest in the political standoff, calling for Congress to return to work and end the shutdown. The site has even launched a petition urging lawmakers to reconvene. Former President Trump, who has been a vocal critic of the shutdown, has also joined the chorus, demanding that Congress come back and negotiate a deal.

  • The partial government shutdown began on December 22, 2025.
  • TMZ launched its petition calling for Congress to return on March 28, 2026.

The players

TMZ

A celebrity news and gossip website that has surprisingly taken an interest in the ongoing government shutdown and is calling for Congress to return to work.

Donald Trump

The former President of the United States who has been a vocal critic of the government shutdown and is also demanding that Congress come back to Washington to resolve the impasse.

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What they’re saying

“Congress needs to get their butts back to D.C. and figure this out. Enough is enough.”

— TMZ, Celebrity news site

“Congress must come back to work and get it done. Fun and games are over, the American people want results!”

— Donald Trump, Former President

What’s next

If Congress does not return to session soon, the White House has indicated it may take unilateral action to try to end the shutdown.

The takeaway

The growing public pressure from unexpected sources like TMZ and former President Trump underscores the widespread frustration with the political gridlock in Washington and the urgent need for lawmakers to find a solution to end the partial government shutdown.