They are at home due to the US government shutdown, but they may not receive retroactive pay

Donald Trump's administration has caused a new stir. According to the BBC, the Office of Management and Budget has issued a new memorandum. It states that federal employees who are on forced unpaid leave during the government shutdown may not receive back pay.

The 2019 law, passed after more than a month of shutdown, which guaranteed full compensation after the shutdown ended, reportedly does not apply to individuals who were temporarily asked not to report to work.

The president stated that some workers “don't deserve to be taken care of.” This statement sparked a sharp reaction from Democrats, who pointed out that the law is clear and that all federal employees are therefore entitled to back pay.

Some Republicans, including Senators John Thune and Thom Tillis, distanced themselves from Trump's stance, pointing out that it was a “strategic mistake” to question federal employees' salaries during a crisis.

The government shutdown has been ongoing since October 1, and approximately 750,000 employees are currently without pay. The Senate rejected a short-term spending measure that would have kept the government running until November 21.

Democrats opposed the bill because Republicans refused to include an extension of health benefits for millions of Americans that are set to expire at the end of the year. Republicans argue that this issue must be dealt with separately.