Story perspectives

Shutdown Leaves 1 Million Workers Unpaid, Blame Trump

10/28/2025

Summary

Story summary

The government shutdown has left over one million federal workers unpaid.
Jill Hornick, a Social Security Administration employee, received a $0 paycheck and seeks side jobs.
Democrats blame U.S. President Donald Trump for prioritizing foreign aid over federal worker support.
The American Federation of Government Employees has pressed for a bipartisan resolution as the shutdown approaches its fifth week, while Democrats remain firm on their healthcare-cost demands.

History

Historical Context

The U.S. government faced two significant shutdowns from November 14 to 19, 1995, and December 16, 1995, to January 6, 1996, due to budget disputes between President Bill Clinton and Republican Speaker Newt Gingrich. The first shutdown furloughed about 800,000 federal employees, while the second affected 284,000. These events underscore the ongoing struggle over government funding and political priorities, impacting services nationwide.

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Story summary

The government shutdown has left over one million federal workers unpaid.
Jill Hornick, a Social Security Administration employee, received a $0 paycheck and seeks side jobs.
Democrats blame U.S. President Donald Trump for prioritizing foreign aid over federal worker support.
The American Federation of Government Employees has pressed for a bipartisan resolution as the shutdown approaches its fifth week, while Democrats remain firm on their healthcare-cost demands.

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