Washington, D.C. — President Donald Trump announced that most federal employees affected by the ongoing government shutdown will receive back pay once the shutdown ends. However, his remarks raised concerns after he suggested that some workers might be excluded, challenging what has long been considered a guaranteed right under federal law.
Speaking at a press conference on Wednesday, Trump said,
“For the most part, we’re going to take care of our people. But there are some who really don’t deserve to be taken care of, and we’ll handle them in a different way.”
The comment quickly drew widespread attention, as the Government Employee Fair Treatment Act of 2019 (GEFTA) legally requires that all furloughed federal workers be compensated retroactively once funding is restored. The law was passed during Trump’s previous term to ensure employees were not penalized for budget impasses beyond their control.
Conflicting Signals From the White House
Despite the law’s clarity, a new White House memo obtained by multiple outlets, including Politico and Axios, reportedly questions whether back pay is automatic. The memo argues that Congress must still approve specific funding in upcoming appropriations bills before payments can be processed — a stance at odds with previous administrations and federal labor policy.
Just a day after the memo circulated, several federal agencies — including the Departments of Homeland Security and Agriculture — issued furlough notices reaffirming that employees are entitled to full back pay under GEFTA. The contradiction has left many civil servants uncertain about their financial futures as the shutdown stretches into its third week.
Political and Legal Pushback
Lawmakers from both parties were quick to respond.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune emphasized that “the law is very clear — workers will get paid once the government reopens.”
House Speaker Mike Johnson echoed that sentiment, saying, “Federal employees should not be punished for political gridlock.”
Democratic leaders, meanwhile, accused Trump of using federal workers as leverage in budget negotiations. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer called Trump’s remarks “reckless and cruel,” adding, “You don’t get to pick and choose who deserves their paycheck.”
Legal experts also warned that any attempt to deny back pay could spark immediate lawsuits. Labor unions representing federal employees — including the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) — signaled they are prepared to take the issue to court if necessary.
Workers Caught in the Middle
As the shutdown drags on, roughly 800,000 federal employees are either working without pay or furloughed. Many are struggling to cover rent, childcare, and medical expenses. Food banks near Washington, D.C., and major federal hubs report a sharp increase in demand.
For now, Trump insists that “most” workers will be reimbursed — though his vague language has done little to calm growing anxiety among federal families.
What remains uncertain is whether the administration will fully honor the 2019 law or attempt to reinterpret it, potentially setting up a major political and legal showdown once the shutdown ends.
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