The Trump administration has ignited a heated debate by suggesting that some federal workers furloughed during the ongoing government shutdown may not receive back pay once the funding impasse is resolved. This stance, outlined in a memo from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), contradicts a 2019 law signed by President Trump that guarantees retroactive pay for employees affected by shutdowns. The memo argues that the law does not apply to workers temporarily asked not to report to work. Trump reinforced this position on Tuesday, stating that back pay ‘depends on who we’re talking about’ and implying that some employees ‘don’t deserve to be taken care of.’ Approximately 750,000 federal workers are currently without pay as the shutdown enters its first week. Democratic leaders, including House Representative Hakeem Jeffries, have vehemently opposed Trump’s interpretation, asserting that the law clearly entitles all furloughed employees to back pay. The OMB memo, prepared last week but reported on Tuesday, has drawn sharp criticism from both sides of the aisle. Senator Mark Warner of Virginia called it ‘totally illegal,’ while some Republicans, including Senator Thom Tillis of North Carolina, labeled the approach a ‘strategic mistake.’ The shutdown, which began on October 1, stems from a deadlock between Senate Republicans and Democrats over resolutions to reopen the government, with Democrats pushing for healthcare provisions and Republicans advocating for a ‘clean’ budget bill. The controversy over back pay adds another layer of complexity to the already tense political standoff.
White House suggests some federal workers may not get back pay after shutdown
