Trump Questions Federal Employees’ Back Pay After Government Shutdown

Trump questions federal employees’ back pay during the shutdown.

The measure could affect thousands of families and intensify the standoff between the White House and Democrats.

Congress must decide whether to uphold the law guaranteeing delayed payments or trigger another political dispute.

Trump Conditions Federal Employees’ Back Pay During the Shutdown

During a meeting in the Oval Office, President Donald Trump suggested that back pay for furloughed federal employees “depends on who we’re talking about.”

The remark, made in front of reporters, alarmed government workers and unions, as it hinted that some employees might not receive retroactive pay once the government reopens.

Trump insisted he would “take care of his people” but added that there are some “who don’t deserve to be taken care of,” implying unequal treatment among sectors of the federal workforce.

Context: The Government Shutdown and Political Dispute

Trump suggests not all workers affected by the government shutdown will receive back pay https://t.co/oR2ngKLGbS

The U.S. president said that the “majority” of employees would receive pay, but that it would depend on each worker.

— 20minutos.es (@20m) October 7, 2025

The ongoing government shutdown has paralyzed multiple federal agencies as the White House and Congress fail to reach a budget deal.

Tensions escalated when a draft memorandum from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) surfaced, suggesting the denial of back pay for furloughed federal employees.

The document cites an amendment to the Fair Treatment for Federal Employees Act of 2019, signed by Trump himself, which states that workers will receive pay “subject to the enactment of appropriations.”

Democrats argue that this interpretation is an attempt to use federal workers’ salaries as a political bargaining tool to pressure Congress into a deal favorable to the White House.

Back Pay Debate and Trump’s Position

When a journalist reminded the president that the law guarantees back pay once the government reopens, Trump responded: “What the law says is correct, and I follow the law.”

However, he also blamed Democrats for the situation, claiming they “put many people at great risk.”

The debate over delayed wages has become a new battleground between Republicans and Democrats, as hundreds of thousands of federal families face financial hardship.

Threat of Mass Layoffs in the Federal Government Due to Shutdown

In addition to the back pay controversy, the Trump administration warned it could carry out mass layoffs if the shutdown continues.

The president declared that if no agreement is reached with Congress, “I’ll be able to tell you in four or five days if this continues,” referring to the number of employees who could lose their jobs.

Sources close to the administration confirmed that the White House is considering cutting so-called “Democratic agencies,” eliminating programs, and withholding infrastructure funds in opposition-led states and cities.

Reactions in Congress

Congresswoman Jennifer McClellan voiced her opposition on X:

The Trump Administration has threatened to illegally cancel backpay for furloughed federal workers.

Today, I joined @Rep_Walkinshaw, @RepDonBeyer, @RepBobbyScott, @RepSuhas and @RepVindman to stand up for our federal workers and demand Vought follow the law. https://t.co/1Etb8raZ9D

— Congresswoman Jennifer McClellan (@RepMcClellan) October 7, 2025

“The Trump administration has threatened to illegally cancel retroactive payments for furloughed federal workers. Today I joined my colleagues in demanding that the law be followed.”

Congressman James Walkinshaw also denounced the measure:

“Proud to stand with my Virginia colleagues against the false threat of denying back pay. The law is clear: back pay is guaranteed. Families can’t be used as pawns during a government shutdown.”

Both lawmakers warned that conditioning federal employees’ back pay could violate the law and further erode trust in the government system.

What’s Next

If the shutdown continues, the issue of Trump federal employees back pay shutdown could end up in court or spark a new legislative battle.

Meanwhile, the fate of thousands of federal workers hinges on congressional negotiations.

The outcome will determine whether Trump fulfills his promise to “take care of his people” or prioritizes political pressure over the livelihoods of affected employees.

In the coming days, all eyes will remain on Washington as this crisis continues to impact families across the United States.