That’s the way it’s going to work. Look for a lot of GS-step promotions in the next two years. Each step’s pay rate will be frozen, but any promotion deserves a raise. Those at the low end, just by the nature of their jobs, will find it difficult to get promotions.
He will do the same thing as he does to Social Security. The fed workers get their pay frozen but then receive a special $2,500 one time payment hidden in a 10,000 page bill.
Only those in the politically correct classes: women and minorities will be given such raises. It is extremely difficult for the most highly educated and competent white males to get promotions in most agencies of the government.