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Trump's Shutdown Hits 650,000 Workers, Back Pay Uncertain

11/5/2025

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Summary

Story summary

U.S. President Donald Trump oversees a shutdown that has furloughed over 650,000 federal employees since October 1, 2025, with pay limited to workers on duty.
Initial furlough notices promised back pay; later State Department communications removed that assurance.
The government remains closed after a healthcare-policy stalemate between Democrats and Republicans.
As the shutdown passes 30 days, agencies must update employees on status.

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Story summary

U.S. President Donald Trump oversees a shutdown that has furloughed over 650,000 federal employees since October 1, 2025, with pay limited to workers on duty.
Initial furlough notices promised back pay; later State Department communications removed that assurance.
The government remains closed after a healthcare-policy stalemate between Democrats and Republicans.
As the shutdown passes 30 days, agencies must update employees on status.