President Donald Trump has directed the Pentagon to ensure that U.S. troops receive their paychecks on October 15, despite the ongoing government shutdown. This decision comes as the shutdown enters its 11th day, with the potential to extend further. The president emphasized his commitment to the military, stating that “our Brave Troops will miss the paychecks they are rightfully due.”
Action to Secure Troop Pay Amid Shutdown
Trump’s announcement aims to alleviate concerns for the approximately 1.3 million active-duty service members who risk not being paid due to the shutdown. By invoking his authority as commander in chief, he instructed Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to utilize “all available funds” for troop payments. This action is significant as it removes one pressure point that may compel Congress to take further action regarding the budget stalemate.
Funding Sources for Troop Payments
While the exact funding source for these payments is unclear, it is likely that it will come from the billions allocated to the Defense Department as part of Trump’s tax and spending legislation from the previous summer. The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) confirmed that such measures are feasible, outlining possible sources that the administration could draw from.
- Department of Defense
- Department of the Treasury
- Department of Homeland Security
- Office of Management and Budget
These departments received specific allocations under the 2025 reconciliation act, allowing the potential use of funds to pay service members even during the shutdown. The CBO noted that Pentagon funds might be accessed to compensate active-duty personnel promptly.
Impact on Federal Workers
Despite the focus on troop pay, no similar assurances have been provided for federal employees who are facing layoffs due to the government shutdown. The White House budget office has started the process of handling these furloughs.
As the situation unfolds, the ability of the Administration to maintain troop pay during a government shutdown highlights the broader implications of fiscal policy on military personnel amid budgetary disputes.
