The United States federal government entered a partial shutdown on Saturday, January 30, 2026, after Congress missed the midnight deadline to approve the 2026 budget. The disruption is expected to be limited, with the House of Representatives set to act early next week to ratify a Senate-backed funding deal.

The shutdown follows a breakdown in negotiations caused by Democratic outrage over the deaths of two protesters in Minneapolis at the hands of federal immigration agents. These events stalled talks on new funding for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

Senate Democratic Minority Whip Dick Durbin criticized the administration on social media, stating:

“Instead of going after drug smugglers, child predators, and human traffickers, the Trump Administration is wasting resources targeting peaceful protesters in Chicago and Minneapolis. This Administration continues to make Americans less safe.”

Scope of the Shutdown

Approximately three-quarters of federal operations are affected, potentially impacting education, health, housing, defense, and other key sectors. Agencies have begun implementing shutdown protocols, though congressional leaders from both parties suggest a short disruption is likely if the House approves the Senate package early next week.

If the shutdown extends beyond a few days, tens of thousands of federal workers could be placed on unpaid leave or required to work without pay until funding is restored.

Late Friday, the Senate cleared five outstanding funding bills covering most federal agencies through September, alongside a two-week DHS stopgap measure to allow continued operations while negotiations on immigration policy continue. President Donald Trump endorsed the Senate deal and urged swift action by the House to prevent a prolonged shutdown, marking the second of his second term.

Political Backlash and Negotiations

The Senate deal followed Republican Senator Lindsey Graham lifting a procedural block over disagreements on DHS provisions and other legislative language. Democrats have insisted on changes to immigration enforcement after the fatal shootings of Alex Pretti and Renee Good in Minneapolis, demanding reforms for agent accountability, tighter warrant requirements, and limits on certain enforcement tactics.

The White House’s decision to separate DHS funding from the broader budget package signals a recalibration of deportation policies amid growing political scrutiny. Republicans remain divided, with some warning against concessions that could weaken immigration enforcement.

Although six of the 12 annual funding bills have been approved, the remaining bills cover large portions of discretionary spending, making the funding lapse significant if unresolved. The Office of Management and Budget has instructed agencies to prepare for an “orderly shutdown,” emphasizing hopes for a brief disruption.

The post US Government Enters Partial Shutdown Amid Budget Stalemate appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

The U.S. government has revoked more than 100,000 visas over the past year of President Donald Trump’s second term, according to an official statement by the U.S. State Department.

The revocations include approximately 8,000 student visas and 2,500 specialized work permits, targeting foreign nationals with criminal records or legal violations.

State Department spokesperson Tommy Pigott said the move forms part of a broad effort to protect American citizens and uphold U.S. sovereignty, adding:

“We will continue to deport these thugs to keep America safe.”

Crimes cited for the visa cancellations include assault and drunk driving, among others. The revocation campaign has been accompanied by a surge of federal agents carrying out deportations.

The Trump administration has also tightened visa vetting, now including screening of applicants’ social media activity. This follows the administration’s anti-migrant platform, which President Trump ran on for his second term starting January 20, 2025.

Data from the Department of Homeland Security shows that the administration has deported over 605,000 people, while another 2.5 million remain in the U.S. without formal status.

Separately, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio defended the revocation of visas for certain student protesters, citing U.S. laws that allow blocking entry for foreigners whose actions conflict with American foreign policy.

The post U.S. Govt Revokes Over 100,000 Visas Amid Crackdown on Criminal Offenders appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

After years of soaring prices, tight inventory, and elevated borrowing costs, the United States housing market may finally be approaching a critical turning point in 2026, according to economists and housing analysts.

Following a prolonged slowdown that priced millions of Americans out of homeownership, market observers say conditions are gradually aligning for a modest reset—driven less by dramatic price drops and more by stabilisation, increased listings, and improved income dynamics.

Several industry players have already branded 2026 as a defining year. Real estate brokerage Redfin has described the period as “The Great Housing Reset,” while Compass has characterised it as the beginning of a “new era” for residential property in the US.

The cautiously optimistic outlook comes as President Donald Trump signals that housing affordability will be a central policy priority in 2026. Although concrete policy details remain limited, the administration has repeatedly hinted at regulatory reforms aimed at boosting housing supply and easing approval processes.

A market frozen in place

Over the past several years, the US housing market has been defined by an unusual contradiction: historically low sales activity alongside relentlessly rising prices.

According to data from the National Association of Homebuilders, average home prices nationwide surged by nearly 55 per cent between early 2020 and the third quarter of 2025. During the same period, transaction volumes fell sharply as high mortgage rates and affordability pressures discouraged both buyers and sellers.

Many homeowners, locked into ultra-low mortgage rates secured during the pandemic, chose to stay put rather than list their properties. This behaviour further constrained housing supply, keeping prices elevated despite weaker demand.

Mike Simonsen, Chief Economist at Compass, said the market has effectively been “stuck” for years, with limited inventory preventing any meaningful correction.

“That dynamic is likely to change,” Simonsen said, noting that more homeowners are gradually adjusting to mortgage rates above six per cent and may be more willing to sell in 2026.

Will home prices fall in 2026?

Despite growing optimism, analysts caution against expectations of a sharp nationwide decline in home prices next year.

While some states—including Florida, Texas, and California—recorded modest price declines in 2025, most economists expect prices to remain broadly stable across the country.

Compass forecasts home prices will rise by approximately 0.5 per cent in 2026, a figure Simonsen described as “essentially flat.” Such stability, rather than a steep drop, is seen as a healthier outcome for the market.

Even so, affordability challenges are likely to persist, particularly for first-time buyers. Analysts agree that the most sustainable solution remains increased housing supply—a goal the US has struggled to achieve for decades.

“We are still behind when it comes to building enough homes,” Simonsen said.

Mortgage rates and buyer confidence

Mortgage rates have shown signs of easing in the second half of 2025. The average 30-year fixed-rate mortgage recently stood at 6.18 per cent, down from nearly seven per cent earlier in the year.

Looking ahead, economists expect rates to remain above six per cent in 2026, although further declines are possible if inflation continues to cool or the labour market weakens, prompting additional interest rate cuts by the Federal Reserve.

While mortgage rates do not move in lockstep with the Fed, they closely track yields on the 10-year US Treasury, which are sensitive to monetary policy signals.

Jason Waugh, President of Coldwell Banker Affiliates, stressed that consumer confidence will play a decisive role in determining market activity.

“For most people, buying a home is a 15- or 30-year commitment,” Waugh said. “If buyers feel uncertain about their income or job security, they’re more likely to pause, even if rates improve.”

Rent prices may rise again

Renters experienced some relief in 2025 as rent growth cooled across major US cities. Bank of America data shows rents were flat year-on-year in October—the first such pause in more than three years.

However, that relief may prove temporary.

With homeownership still out of reach for many Americans, rental demand is expected to remain elevated. At the same time, fewer new apartment projects are coming online, tightening supply in the rental market.

Redfin projects rents could rise by between two and three per cent annually by the end of 2026.

What Trump’s housing agenda could mean

Earlier this month, President Trump pledged to pursue what he described as the “most aggressive housing reform” in US history.

Although the White House has yet to release a detailed policy framework, National Economic Council Director Kevin Hassett indicated that regulatory reform would be a key focus, particularly measures designed to speed up housing approvals and incentivise states to ease building restrictions.

White House spokesperson Kush Desai said homeownership remains a top priority within the administration’s broader affordability agenda, promising further announcements in the coming months.

In recent months, the administration has floated unconventional ideas such as 50-year mortgages and portable mortgages that could move with homeowners. However, policy analysts remain sceptical about their implementation in 2026.

Jaret Seiberg, a housing policy analyst at TD Cowen, said there are practical limits to how much the federal government can achieve in the near term.

“Even with strong political will, there are constraints on what the president can realistically deliver next year,” Seiberg wrote in a note to clients.

The post Trump’s Housing Reform Push Signals Market Reset for US Home Prices in 2026 appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

The document, said to be signed by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, outlines that the countries listed must comply with newly introduced — but undisclosed — U.S. immigration and security protocols within 60 days or risk facing visa restrictions or outright travel bans.

Among the 36 countries named are 25 African nations, including Nigeria, Ghana, Angola, Egypt, Ethiopia, and Cameroon. Also on the list are countries from other regions such as Syria, Cambodia, Tonga, Bhutan, Dominica, and Antigua and Barbuda.

The White House has yet to release an official statement regarding the development. However, the memo reportedly states that each country must submit a preliminary compliance plan by Wednesday to demonstrate willingness to meet the new standards.

This move marks a renewed effort by the Trump administration to tighten immigration measures under its expanded national security agenda. It follows a similar proposal in March, which initially considered 43 countries, though Nigeria was excluded at the time.

According to the memo, countries have been grouped into three categories:

Red: Complete entry bans

Orange: Significant visa issuance restrictions

Yellow: Nations granted a 60-day compliance window

This policy push builds on an executive order signed in June, which barred nationals from 12 countries — including Sudan, Yemen, Libya, Iran, and Afghanistan — from entering the U.S.

Since the start of his second term, President Trump has intensified immigration enforcement through increased deportations and stringent vetting processes. While U.S. officials cite national security concerns as the rationale, critics argue the measures disproportionately target developing nations, especially in Africa, and could strain longstanding diplomatic relationships.

Nigeria, Africa’s most populous nation and a major economic player on the continent, has yet to issue an official response. However, analysts warn that any imposed restriction could affect U.S.–Nigeria relations, bilateral trade, and the sizable Nigerian diaspora living and working in the United States.

Observers say the policy, if enacted, may trigger broader geopolitical and economic repercussions, particularly in regions that have historically maintained strong ties with Washington.

The post U.S. Reportedly Considers Adding Nigeria to New Travel Ban List appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

Additionally, the majority of remaining USAID staff will be placed on paid administrative leave, excluding only core leadership, essential personnel, and those handling mission-critical functions.

Details of the Layoff and Restructuring

• The layoffs are part of a broader reduction-in-force plan aimed at cutting USAID’s U.S. workforce.
• Essential personnel will be notified by 5 p.m. EST on the same day.
• For overseas staff, USAID plans a voluntary return travel program and additional benefits to assist with the transition.

Background and Reasons for the Cut

The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), led by Elon Musk, has been pushing for reforms at USAID.
Earlier this month, President Trump accused USAID of “tremendous fraud” and “unprecedented levels of corruption”, calling for its shutdown.

The administration aims to reduce USAID’s global workforce from over 10,000 to fewer than 300, representing a 97% cut.

Legal Challenges and Court Rulings

• February 4: USAID issued an initial notice to place employees on administrative leave by February 7.
• February 7: Judge Carl Nichols of the U.S. District Court for D.C. temporarily blocked the plan following a request by U.S. labor unions.
• February 21: The court dismissed the union’s request, clearing the way for the Trump administration to proceed.

This ruling also starts a 30-day countdown for USAID employees stationed abroad to return to the U.S. at the government’s expense.

Impact on Foreign Aid and Global Programs

Since January 20, President Trump has paused foreign aid, affecting programs supporting:

• Starvation relief
• Healthcare for deadly diseases
• Shelter for displaced persons

Exceptions totaling $5.3 billion have been approved, primarily for:

• Security initiatives
• Counter-narcotics programs

By contrast, USAID’s humanitarian programs received less than $100 million in exemptions—a sharp decline from the $40 billion managed annually before the freeze.

Implications Moving Forward

This drastic reduction in USAID’s workforce and funding raises concerns over:

• The future of U.S.-backed humanitarian projects globally.
• Economic and social consequences in developing countries heavily reliant on U.S. foreign aid.
• Diplomatic relations between the United States and partner nations, especially in regions facing humanitarian crises.

The global development community is closely watching the long-term impact of this unprecedented restructuring of the United States’ foreign assistance strategy.

The post Trump Administration Announces Mass Layoff of 1,600 USAID Employees appeared first on Housing TV Africa.