Trump Administration Reconsiders Federal Worker Back Pay Amid Shutdown

Fri Oct 10 2025 19:16:17 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

Federal employees face uncertainties as the Trump administration shifts its stance on back pay during a government shutdown, potentially affecting over 750,000 workers.

The Trump administration's recent memo indicates that federal workers may not receive guaranteed back pay during the ongoing government shutdown, reversing a 2019 policy that ensured reimbursement. This move has drawn severe criticism from Democratic lawmakers who argue it violates federal law. As Congress faces a stalemate over funding, the implications for federal workers remain unclear.

WASHINGTON (FluxDaily) — The Trump administration's warning on Tuesday about potential back pay for federal workers during the ongoing government shutdown has raised major concerns for the approximately 750,000 furloughed employees. According to a memo circulated by the White House, back pay is not guaranteed this time, which reverses an established policy from the 2019 shutdown.

In response to the longest government shutdown in history three years ago, President Trump had signed legislation to ensure federal workers would receive back pay if funding lapsed. However, the latest memo from his Office of Management and Budget asserts that any back pay must be authorized by Congress, dependent on future funding bills.

This maneuver by the administration is widely viewed as a pressure tactic on lawmakers to expedite the resolution of the federal shutdown, currently in its seventh day. This should escalate the urgency for the Democrats to do what's right, stated House Speaker Mike Johnson during a press conference.

While Johnson acknowledged he hadn't fully reviewed the memo, he noted that some legal analysts suggest repayment may not be necessary.

Senator Patty Murray of Washington criticized the Trump administration, claiming it violates the law and intimidates federal employees. The law is clear: furloughed workers are entitled to their back pay following a shutdown, she stated.

The implications of denying back pay are significant, not only for the federal workforce but also for the operational continuity of essential services. Historically, many federal workers, including military personnel, have received their missed paychecks once the government reopens.

The memo sent by the OMB attempts to provide a legal basis for this new stance, arguing that the 2019 Fair Treatment Act merely authorizes back pay, which must be appropriated through further legislation. This development adds another layer of complexity as Congress grapples with whether to fund the government, with Democrats advocating for healthcare funding and Republicans recommending a later resolution.