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Trump Claims Some Furloughed Workers 'Don't Deserve' Back Pay

10/9/2025

45 8 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

President Donald J. Trump says some furloughed federal workers 'don't deserve' back pay, complicating talks.
The memo says furloughed workers may not be entitled to back pay.
The memo requires funding for back pay, contradicting 2019 Government Employee Fair Treatment Act.
The shutdown furloughed 750,000 workers, with Internal Revenue Service (IRS) planning to send home about 34,000; Trump threatens cuts.

History

Historical Context

The Government Employee Fair Treatment Act, enacted in January 2019, mandates retroactive pay for federal employees affected by government shutdowns, starting from December 22, 2018. This law emerged after the 2018-19 shutdown, which furloughed approximately 750,000 workers. President Trump's recent comments challenge this law, raising concerns about federal employee rights and the potential erosion of worker protections during future shutdowns.

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Story summary

President Donald J. Trump says some furloughed federal workers 'don't deserve' back pay, complicating talks.
The memo says furloughed workers may not be entitled to back pay.
The memo requires funding for back pay, contradicting 2019 Government Employee Fair Treatment Act.
The shutdown furloughed 750,000 workers, with Internal Revenue Service (IRS) planning to send home about 34,000; Trump threatens cuts.

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