The ways President Trump is moving money around to pay certain federal workers during the government shutdown may be illegal, experts tell Axios.

Why it matters: Lawyers and former government officials warn that Trump's moves set a dangerous precedent and eat away at Congress' core power. • He's eliminated a major pressure point to negotiate an end to the shutdown.

The big picture: Federal employees don't get paid during a government shutdown, but the White House has redirected funds to ensure that some workers — mainly the military and law enforcement — keep getting their paychecks. • Spending money, in ways Congress didn't authorize, is likely illegal, lawyers and policy experts say.

Catch up quick: The administration paid the troops by diverting $8 billion in funds allocated for

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