Federal employees can't catch break this year under the Trump administrations. The White House has intensified its pressure campaign amid the ongoing government shutdown, floating the unprecedented threat that furloughed federal workers might not receive back pay once the government reopens. The move marks a sharp escalation in the standoff between President Trump and congressional Democrats, now entering its second week.
According to a draft memo from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), the administration has raised questions about whether federal workers are legally entitled to retroactive pay during shutdowns despite a 2019 law signed by Trump, which guarantees back pay for furloughed workers once the government resumes operations.
The suggestion immediately drew bipartisan skepticism. Republican Senators Thom Tillis and John Kennedy both generally supportive of Trump questioned both the legality and political wisdom of the maneuver. “I think it’s a horrible message to send to people who are basically hostages right now,” Tillis said, warning that punishing federal employees could backfire. Kennedy was more direct: “It’s not up to the president... Congress has got to appropriate the money. Read the Constitution.”
Still, the White House appears determined to raise the stakes. Administration officials have repeatedly warned that troops could miss paychecks and federal programs for low-income families could soon run out of funds echoing Democratic talking points from previous shutdowns but now used to pressure Democrats to accept a “clean” continuing resolution without the policy riders Democrats demand.This time, the Trump administration’s approach goes further, signaling possible layoffs and job losses among furloughed employees a step no prior administration has taken during shutdowns.
In an Oval Office meeting with the Canadian prime minister, Trump defended his stance, suggesting not all furloughed employees deserve back pay. “For the most part, we’re going to take care of our people,” he said. “There are some people that really don’t deserve to be taken care of. And we’ll take care of them in a different way.”
Meanwhile, Democrats have remained steadfast. Senate Democrats have blocked the GOP’s short-term funding bill five times, insisting on a permanent extension of Affordable Care Act subsidies to prevent rising health insurance premiums. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries dismissed Republican efforts at a one-year extension as “laughable.” Speaker Mike Johnson, one of Trump’s closest allies, attempted to strike a softer tone, expressing hope that furloughed workers would eventually receive back pay though he suggested that “some legal analysts” dispute whether it’s required.
With negotiations stalled, neither side appears ready to compromise while things seem to worsen everyday. I feel for federal employees right now.