'Trump wall' shuts down US government!

• Most critical security functions remain operational but 800,000 federal workers are impacted.

An air of chaos enveloped Washington on Saturday as the US government kicked off the holidays by partially shutting down, following the failure of leaders to pass a federal spending bill as negotiations stalled over Donald Trump's demand for money to build a US-Mexico border wall.

Operations for several key agencies ceased at 12:01 am on Saturday, despite last-ditch talks that continued on Capitol Hill between White House officials and congressional leaders in both parties. Most critical security functions remain operational but 800,000 federal workers are impacted, with many furloughed just days before Christmas.And as many other Americans and tourists began vacations head of end-of-the year holidays some national parks have shuttered completely, while others remain open but without any visitor services including restrooms and maintenance.

The budget wrangling and subsequent shutdown cast a dark cloud over the US capital already reeling from Defense Secretary Jim Mattis's resignation announcement on Thursday.

The uncertainty pushed Wall Street into a third straight rout on Friday, to end its worst week since late 2008 at the start of the global financial crisis.