United States of America

Trump Orders Pay for 35,000 DHS Workers in Shutdown

Is Trump's memo a decisive move to protect federal workers or a hollow gesture in light of a real bipartisan solution?

Published 6 hours ago

Trump Orders Pay for 35,000 DHS Workers in Shutdown

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Above: U.S. President Donald Trump in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, D.C., on March 31. Image credit: Brendan Smialowski/AFP/Getty Images

The Spin

Republican narrative

The Trump administration has stepped in decisively to protect federal workers after the Democrats' shutdown left approximately 35,000 staff without a paycheck for nearly two months. This emergency action will provide DHS employees with the compensation and benefits they deserve, while the Democrats play politics with national security.

Trump White House

Democratic narrative

Trump's memo does little more than paper over the cracks. A bipartisan bill already exists to fund crucial agencies, such as the TSA, Coast Guard and FEMA. Despite this, Republican leadership has chosen obstruction over action by blocking its passage. If the administration really wants to support workers, it should stop their antics and back this ready-made solution.

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