Furloughed Workers Bear Brunt of Trump's Partisan Shutdown Rhetoric

For Furloughed Workers, Trump's Partisan Shutdown Jabs Are Just the Latest Slight As the partial government shutdown entered its fourth week, federal employees who have been furloughed or working without pay are speaking out about the emotional toll of President Donald Trump's partisan rhetoric. In a departure from previous shutdowns, Trump has used his social media platform to blame Congressional Democrats for the impasse, leaving many workers feeling belittled and disrespected. According to an employee at the National Institutes of Health (NIH), who wished to remain anonymous due to fear of retribution, the weeks leading up to the shutdown were unusually quiet. "I experienced absolutely none of that flurry of emails and meetings that usually happens before a potential shutdown," they said in an interview. "It's like we're invisible." This employee was not alone in receiving partisan emails from their agency. Throughout the government, employees have reported receiving similar communications, often with language that echoes Trump's tweets. Some agencies even altered automated out-of-office replies to include partisan statements without the consent of their staff. "This is a new low," said Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-Md.), who has been working to pass a spending bill to reopen the government. "The president's decision to politicize the shutdown and blame Democrats for it is not only unfair, but it's also demoralizing for the very people he claims to be fighting for." In previous shutdowns, federal agencies have typically taken steps to prepare employees for the possibility of a lapse in funding. This includes holding meetings, sending out emails, and providing guidance on how to navigate the situation. But this time around, many workers felt caught off guard. "It's like we're not even considered part of the equation," said another NIH employee, who also wished to remain anonymous. "We're just pawns in their game of politics." The partisan rhetoric has taken a toll on federal employees, many of whom are struggling to make ends meet without pay. According to a survey by the National Treasury Employees Union, nearly 80% of furloughed workers are experiencing financial hardship due to the shutdown. As the standoff continues, lawmakers are working to pass a spending bill that would reopen the government. But for federal employees who have been affected by the shutdown, the partisan jabs from Trump and his allies are just another reminder of their invisibility in the eyes of those in power. Background: The partial government shutdown began on December 22, when Congress failed to pass a spending bill before the end of the fiscal year. Since then, hundreds of thousands of federal employees have been furloughed or working without pay. The shutdown has also had significant impacts on communities across the country, including those affected by the closure of national parks and monuments. Additional Perspectives: "The president's actions are not only hurting federal employees, but they're also damaging the public trust in government," said Rep. Pramila Jayapal (D-Wa.), who has been advocating for a clean spending bill to reopen the government. "We need to get back to work and pass a bill that prioritizes the needs of the American people." Current Status: As of January 10, the shutdown had entered its fourth week, with no clear end in sight. Lawmakers are working to pass a spending bill that would reopen the government, but it remains unclear whether they will be able to reach an agreement. Next Developments: The Senate is expected to vote on a spending bill later this week, which could potentially reopen the government. But for federal employees who have been affected by the shutdown, the partisan rhetoric from Trump and his allies is just another reminder of their invisibility in the eyes of those in power. *Reporting by Motherjones.*