IRS now threatening to deny backpay to federal employees
It’s been ten days since Trump and Republicans refused to fund health care and keep the government open. Now, millions of active-duty service members and federal workers will be missing their paychecks starting this week due to Trump’s failure to govern.
Millions of federal workers and active-duty service members are facing missed paychecks this month as a direct result of the Trump administration’s refusal to fund the government. Around 2 million civilian employees and 1.3 million military personnel won’t see checks hit their accounts over the next week, and they stand to lose pay for the entire month if Trump refuses to act.
Even more concerning, the IRS has now pulled back on its promise of back pay for furloughed employees, casting doubt on whether workers will ever see their wages restored without additional congressional action. Private contractors are not guaranteed compensation, forcing many to absorb losses or seek unemployment assistance.
As prices soar across the board for families across the country, Trump is putting millions in a financial squeeze by finding ways to rip their paychecks away from them, leaving even more vulnerable households at serious risk of financial ruin.
“Trump is deliberately holding paychecks hostage while Americans are already struggling to pay for groceries, rent, and medicine. He is choosing political games over the well-being of working families,” said American Bridge 21st Century spokesperson Brandon Weathersby. “This administration is failing the people it promised to serve.”
Published: Oct 10, 2025 | Last Modified: Nov 13, 2025