Wes Moore denounces Trump’s threats to revoke federal workers’ back pay: ‘Those comments are illegal’

Published October 8, 2025 9:58am ET



Gov. Wes Moore (D-MD) condemned President Donald Trump on Wednesday over possible plans to withhold back pay from certain federal workers affected by the government shutdown. 

The governor referenced a proposal being scrutinized by the Trump administration that could withhold retroactive compensation from workers furloughed during the shutdown who are not being paid. Pressed on the matter Tuesday, Trump said federal workers for “the most part” had nothing to worry about, but suggested there are “some people who really don’t deserve to be taken care of.”

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