As the United States enters the second week of a federal government shutdown, President Donald Trump has announced he will direct the Defense Department to ensure military members are paid on October 15, even if the shutdown continues.

Trump’s Directive: “Use All Available Funds”

In a Truth Social post, Trump stated he would instruct Secretary of War Pete Hegseth to use all available funds to pay U.S. troops. He blamed Democrats for the funding impasse, warning that troops could otherwise miss their paychecks.

White House officials later confirmed that the Office of Management and Budget plans to divert research and development (R&D) funds within the Department of Defense to cover payroll, citing that two years’ worth of such funds are available.

Why Now? The Shutdown's Toll on Military Pay

The government shutdown, now in its 11th day, threatened to delay paychecks for service members. Trump’s directive alleviates immediate concerns for the military but does not extend to civilian federal employees, many of whom remain furloughed or unpaid.

Budget experts warn that diverting R&D funds could raise legal issues under the Antideficiency Act, which prohibits spending unappropriated funds.

Political Standoff: Who’s to Blame?

Trump framed the directive as protecting military families from Democratic inaction.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune highlighted the hardship facing military families living paycheck to paycheck.
House Speaker Mike Johnson blamed Democrats for obstructing progress after being confronted by a military spouse struggling to afford her children’s medication.
Democrats have called for bipartisan legislation to guarantee troop pay during shutdowns, but Republicans have resisted advancing such bills.

  • Legality: Redirecting R&D funds without congressional approval may violate federal law.

  • Duration: The order only guarantees the Oct. 15 paycheck; future pay periods remain uncertain.

  • Scope: It’s unclear if the Coast Guard, under the Department of Homeland Security, is covered.

  • Civilian Pay: Federal workers may not receive back pay unless Congress explicitly authorizes it.

Impact on Military Families & Federal Employees

Military families gain temporary financial relief but face uncertainty if the shutdown continues.
Federal civilian employees, however, remain vulnerable, as back pay is not guaranteed under current conditions.

Shutdown Timeline & Political Stakes

  • Oct. 1, 2025: The government shut down at 12:01 a.m. EDT after Congress failed to pass funding bills.

  • Funding Stalemate: The House passed a short-term resolution, but the Senate rejected it over disputes about healthcare and subsidies.

  • Ongoing Deadlock: Neither party has reached the 60 votes needed in the Senate to move funding forward.

Trump’s order shifts public pressure to Congress, as questions linger over whether this will lead to a broader resolution or serve as a temporary measure.

Key Takeaways

  • Trump ordered the Pentagon to pay troops on Oct. 15 despite the ongoing shutdown.

  • Funds will be diverted from Defense Department R&D budgets to cover salaries.

  • Legal experts warn this could violate federal spending laws.

  • The directive offers short-term relief but no guarantee for future paychecks.

  • Civilian federal employees remain unpaid and uncertain about back pay.

  • The shutdown continues amid partisan gridlock in Congress.

  • Political stakes are high as both parties face growing public pressure to end the impasse.

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