Republicans have controlUntil Monday, Trump had not met with Democratic leadership once since being sworn in on Jan. 20. That’s his obligation and that’s his real desire.”Typically during a government shutdown, federal employees are categorized as exempt, meaning they keep working without pay, or are placed on furlough. Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., said during the press conference with Speaker Johnson that it makes sense the Trump administration would implement the shutdown through a political lens. Public Citizen has filed numerous complaints against the Trump administration, alleging that banners and messages posted on government websites about the shutdown violate the Hatch Act. Trump Cancels Blue State Projects by Jennifer Shutt of States Newsroom.