Start Here Trump’s New Shutdown Threat
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Oct 8, 2025 
Rachel Scott, ABC's senior political correspondent, dives into the potential fallout of Trump's administration's proposal to deny back pay to furloughed federal workers after a government shutdown. She unpacks the complex legal questions surrounding this controversial move. The discussion also highlights Attorney General Pam Bondi's tense Senate hearing regarding the Justice Department's policies, shedding light on issues of politicization that are currently at play.
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Back Pay Threat As Political Leverage
- The Trump White House floated denying back pay to furloughed federal workers to increase pressure during the shutdown.
- Legal experts say this proposal likely violates existing law and would face court challenges.
Prepare For Shutdown Financial Risk
- Federal workers should prepare financially and legally for extended uncertainty during a shutdown.
- Expect unions and legal experts to challenge any attempt to withhold statutorily-guaranteed back pay.
Bondi Embraces Partisan DOJ Role
- Attorney General Pam Bondi framed the Justice Department as aligned with the president's agenda and used partisan attacks in her hearing.
- Senators from both parties pushed back over perceived weaponization and lack of progress on high-profile probes.