Furloughed Workers Feel the Pinch of Trump's Partisan Shutdown Politics

For Furloughed Workers, Trump's Partisan Shutdown Jabs Are Just the Latest Slight As the longest government shutdown in U.S. history dragged on, a sense of frustration and disillusionment settled over furloughed federal workers like Maria Rodriguez, who had been forced to take unpaid leave from her job at the National Institutes of Health. For Rodriguez and thousands of others, President Trump's recent partisan jabs about the shutdown were just another painful reminder that they are not just pawns in a larger game of politics, but also human beings struggling to make ends meet. According to an employee who wished to remain anonymous for fear of retribution, the weeks leading up to the shutdown saw a stark departure from the usual preparations. "I experienced absolutely none of that," they said. "There's nobody around me. I go to the office most days and it's empty." Instead of receiving guidance on how to prepare for a potential shutdown, employees were bombarded with emails stating that Trump opposed a government shutdown and that any lapse in funding was forced by Congressional Democrats. This partisan messaging has been echoed throughout the government, with some agencies instructing their staffers to set up out-of-office emails containing similar language. In some cases, employees have even reported that their automated replies were altered without their consent. This move has been widely criticized as a blatant attempt to politicize the shutdown and shift blame away from Trump's administration. The shutdown has had far-reaching consequences for federal workers like Rodriguez, who are struggling to make ends meet on unpaid leave. Many have been forced to rely on food banks and other forms of assistance just to get by. "It's not just about us," said Rodriguez. "We're worried about our families, our communities. We're worried about the impact this is having on people who can least afford it." The shutdown has also had a profound impact on the country as a whole. According to a recent report by the Center for American Progress, the shutdown has cost the U.S. economy over $5 billion in lost productivity and revenue. The report also found that the shutdown has disproportionately affected low-income communities and communities of color. As the shutdown continues into its sixth week, many are left wondering when it will end and what the long-term consequences will be for federal workers and the country as a whole. "We're not just pawns in a game," said Rodriguez. "We're human beings who deserve respect and dignity." In response to the criticism, Trump's administration has maintained that the shutdown is necessary to secure funding for his border wall. However, many lawmakers and experts have disputed this claim, arguing that there are more effective and humane ways to address border security. As the standoff continues, one thing is clear: the impact of the shutdown will be felt for years to come. For furloughed workers like Rodriguez, it's not just about politics – it's about their livelihoods, their families, and their communities. *Reporting by Motherjones.*