WASHINGTON —

President Donald Trump's comments about potentially withholding back pay for federal employees during the ongoing government shutdown have sparked confusion and criticism from lawmakers and unions.

"For the most part we're going to take care of our people. There are some people that really don't deserve to be taken care of and we'll take care of them in a different way," Trump said.

This stance contrasts with the usual protocol during shutdowns, including a law Trump signed , that could potentially lead to legal challenges.

The American Federation of Government Employees national president, Everett Kelley responded to Trump's comments, saying in part, "The frivolous argument that federal employees are not guaranteed back pay under the Government Employee Fair Treatment

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