Trump’s War on America Ramps up with Vow Not to Pay Federal Workers

October 8, 2025

The White House has issued a memo suggesting furloughed federal workers may not automatically receive back pay when the ongoing government shutdown ends, despite the 2019 Government Employee Fair Treatment Act. The Office of Management and Budget argues new legislation would be needed to authorize these payments, contradicting the Office of Personnel Management's own statements that retroactive pay would be provided. President Trump has made concerning statements indicating some federal workers "don't deserve to be taken care of," while promising military personnel they would receive "every last penny.

Who is affected

Federal workers who have been furloughed or ordered to work without compensation
Approximately 49,000 District residents (13% of residents) who are federally employed
Families of federal workers facing financial hardship with empty refrigerators and unpaid rent
Workers receiving smaller final paychecks until the shutdown ends

What action is being taken

The Office of Management and Budget is arguing that back pay for furloughed workers is not automatically guaranteed
Mark Paoletta, the administration's top lawyer at the budget office, is stating that new legislation is required for back pay
Senator Patty Murray and AFGE President Everett Kelley are speaking out against the administration's position
The White House is contradicting its own Office of Personnel Management regarding back pay policy

Why it matters

The administration's interpretation contradicts the apparent intent of the 2019 Government Employee Fair Treatment Act
Federal workers face significant financial hardship without guaranteed back pay
The situation creates uncertainty for thousands of families relying on federal employment income
The administration's approach has been characterized by critics as using federal employees as "bargaining chips"
The policy stance signals a potential shift in how federal workers are valued and treated during government shutdowns

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: The San Diego Voice & Viewpoint