Summary
During the government shutdown, President Trump redirected money to pay certain federal workers, like the military and law enforcement. Experts say these actions might break the law because Congress did not approve this spending. There is debate about the legality and impact of these funding decisions.
Key Facts
- President Trump moved money to pay military and law enforcement workers during a government shutdown.
- Experts believe these actions might violate laws since Congress didn't authorize the spending.
- The administration redirected $8 billion meant for military research to pay troops.
- The Office of Management and Budget argued this is legal in emergencies, citing historical examples.
- Some federal workers, like air marshals and deportation officers, are still being paid, but their funding sources are unclear.
- Legal experts point out that using funds for purposes other than those approved by Congress challenges constitutional principles.
- The Anti-Deficiency Act prevents spending more than Congress authorizes or redirecting funds without approval.
