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Trump claims funding will pay troops as shutdown drags on

Trump claims funding will pay troops as shutdown drags on

Overview: Trump says funds identified to pay troops amid shutdown

The government shutdown continues to loom as lawmakers struggle to reach a funding deal. In a post on Truth Social, President Donald Trump asserted that he has “identified funds” and would direct the Department of Defense to ensure that active-duty service members are paid next week. He claimed, as Commander in Chief, to instruct the Secretary of War (a title historically used during wartime) to use all available funds to pay troops on October 15.

Trump’s announcement follows weeks of public pledges that service members would not be financially affected by the shutdown. He reiterated a commitment that “we will get our service members every last penny.”

What the administration is saying and the questions surrounding it

A White House official, who spoke on background and was not authorized to publicly reveal specifics, indicated the Defense Department could use research and development funding to compensate service members. The official noted that those funds are available for two years, but did not provide detailed figures or which branches would be affected. The official’s remarks are part of ongoing efforts to communicate relief to military families amid the funding stalemate in Congress.

Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth reposted Trump’s social media message, calling it a delivery for the troops. The public nature of the exchange underscores the administration’s emphasis on guarding pay as lawmakers work through the impasse on funding the government.

Implications for service members and government budgeting

The claim that “funds have been identified” to cover pay raises immediate questions about how such funding would be reallocated or reprogrammed. National security experts emphasize that using research and development funds for payroll would be unusual and could have ripple effects on ongoing projects and long-term defense priorities. While a temporary fix could alleviate financial stress for service members, it also shifts the financial planning of the department in ways that may require congressional oversight and later reconciliation.

Active-duty troops have been one of the most visible groups affected by the shutdown risk, with reports that the first full paychecks could be delayed if a funding agreement isn’t reached. The administration’s messaging appears aimed at reassuring service members and their families while public political rhetoric intensifies around who bears responsibility for the lapse in funding.

Congressional response and potential paths forward

House and Senate negotiators have debated funding measures to reopen the federal government. Republican and Democratic leaders have offered competing proposals, with discussions centered on funding levels, policy riders, and related budgetary authorities. The administration’s plan to tap “available funds” adds another layer to the already complex budgeting process, raising questions about legality, timing, and the permanence of any discretionary funding shift.

Analysts caution that while immediate pay for troops might be secured through reallocation, a lasting resolution requires a formal appropriation. If Congress does not pass a new funding bill, there is a risk that any temporary measure could be followed by additional financial strain for service members and civilian employees in the longer term.

What this means for the public and for military families

For military families, the prospect of continued pay without interruption is a key concern during a period of uncertainty. The White House and Defense Department appear intent on minimizing personal hardship while pursuing a broader budget agreement. Citizens watching the story should consider both the human impact on service members and the procedural complexities of using available funds in ways that would require later justification and reporting to Congress.

Bottom line

Trump’s claim of identified funds to pay troops illustrates the high-stakes maneuvering around the government shutdown. While supporters may view it as decisive leadership, critics may call for transparent accounting and a clear legislative path to a sustained resolution that protects service members’ pay without relying on ad hoc reallocations.