President Donald Trump has indicated that some furloughed federal workers may not receive back pay after the government shutdown concludes, asserting that certain individuals “don’t deserve” such compensation, as revealed in a White House memo and his public remarks.
The controversy erupted on October 7, 2025, when Trump, in an Oval Office meeting, responded to questions about back pay for the approximately 750,000 employees affected by the shutdown that began on October 1. He stated that whether workers receive retroactive pay “depends on who we’re talking about” and added that “there are some people that really don’t deserve to be taken care of.” This comment came as the shutdown entered its seventh day, with no immediate resolution in sight amid a stalemate between Republicans and Democrats over funding bills.
Supporting Trump’s stance, a memo from the White House Office of Management and Budget argued that the Government Employee Fair Treatment Act of 2019, which was signed by Trump himself during a previous shutdown, does not automatically guarantee back pay for all furloughed workers. The memo cites an amendment to the law that specifies payment is subject to the enactment of appropriations acts ending the lapse, suggesting a potential loophole. This interpretation marks a departure from past practices where furloughed employees were typically compensated after shutdowns, including the 2019 episode.
Democratic lawmakers have vehemently opposed this new analysis, labeling it illegal and an attempt to intimidate federal workers. House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries emphasized that “the law is clear — every single furloughed federal employee is entitled to back pay, period.” Similarly, Senator Chris Van Hollen criticized the move as “fear mongering” from an administration seeking leverage in budget negotiations, while Senator Mark Warner of Virginia called the memo “totally illegal” and accused OMB Director Russ Vought of traumatizing workers.
Republican responses have been mixed, with some expressing skepticism. House Speaker Mike Johnson referenced the White House’s legal opinion but noted that he hopes workers receive back pay and that Trump has conveyed similar sentiments. However, Senators like John Thune and Thom Tillis indicated they expect furloughed workers to be paid, with Tillis calling the discussion a “strategic mistake” that could heighten tensions and undermine efforts to resolve the shutdown.
The shutdown itself stems from a deadlock between Republicans and Democrats in the Senate over funding bills, with Democrats pushing for provisions related to health care and Republicans advocating for a “clean” resolution focused solely on the budget. Multiple voting rounds have failed to break the impasse, prolonging the uncertainty for federal employees and the public, and leading to disruptions in services like air travel due to absences among essential workers.
If the White House proceeds with denying back pay, it could set a precedent for future shutdowns and potentially lead to legal challenges from unions and advocacy groups, who argue it violates workers’ rights. The financial strain on affected families could intensify, as many rely on timely paychecks, and the move may influence public opinion ahead of the 2026 midterm elections.
Looking ahead, the focus remains on congressional negotiations, with Trump threatening mass layoffs and program cuts if the standoff persists. The outcome will not only determine the fate of back pay for furloughed workers but also test the limits of executive power and shape the political dynamics in Washington, highlighting the deep divisions over government spending and priorities.
