As President Donald Trump began his second term in the White House on Monday, he reiterated his promise to provide a group of Americans with back pay to make up for military expulsions related to the COVID-19 vaccine mandate.

Why It Matters

During the pandemic, roughly 8,400 troops were expelled from the military after refusing the vaccine. Marines saw an especially high number, with 3,700 expulsions.

While some were able to get exemptions based on medical or religious reasons, many who were in otherwise good standing saw themselves dismissed from the military for their choice.