Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross said Thursday he doesn’t “quite understand why” federal workers hurt by the partial government shutdown need to go to a food bank.

Roughly 800,000 federal employees are furloughed or are working without pay as Donald Trump and congressional Democrats remain at an impasse for a spending deal due to a disagreement over border security funding. The record-breaking shutdown is now in its 34th day.

Asked about these workers getting food from shelters and other place during an interview on CNBC, Ross said “I know they are, and I don’t really quite understand why.”

“Because, as I mentioned before, the obligations that they would undertake, say borrowing from a bank or a credit union are in effect federally guaranteed,” he added.

A number of credit unions and banks are offering interest-free loans to federal workers, but as the shutdown drags on, it’s unclear how helpful this financial assistance will be in the long run.

Twitter was furious:

I can't believe this guy could be seen as out of touch. pic.twitter.com/QIkODbaAuf

— Jennifer Hayden (@Scout_Finch) January 24, 2019

Wilber Ross today just gave the finger to all the people experiencing the shutdown. Says just go get a loan or maybe [let them eat cake] the rich of this country haven’t got a clue.

— JAMKA (@ArchibleJ) January 24, 2019

Moneybags McSleepyface doesn’t understand why federal workers need help during the shutdown? You are kidding me! I’m shocked, shocked I say. #WilberRoss #TrumpShutdown

— Dyslexic Retirw (@WriteRobWrite) January 24, 2019

Wilber Ross must be a psychopath like so many who run corporations and investment firms. They do not one iota of empathy or compassion. The world centers on them and only them.

— George Grubbs (@GeorgeGrubbs1) January 24, 2019

Wilber Ross is a ignorant, heartless
swamp monster.@senatemajldr & GOP his stupidity & cuelty is on you!

Take your money & go home! Let the PEOPLE get back to running the country!#EndTheShutdownNow

— J^3 (@3J1963) January 24, 2019

Omg. No he DIDN’T. Wilber Ross’ answer to everything. Take out a loan so we can take away everything you own when you default. SICKENING. Rich people are really making me HATE them!

— Jamie Kelly ???????? ???????????? ✌???? (@Barkforlove1) January 24, 2019

WATCH:

Ross "doesn't understand why" federal workers are being forced to use food banks pic.twitter.com/UEUk74Ogme

— TPM Livewire (@TPMLiveWire) January 24, 2019