President Donald Trump has directed his administration to ensure that U.S. military personnel receive their paychecks on October 15 despite an ongoing government shutdown. In a post on Truth Social, Trump said he had ordered Secretary of War Pete Hegseth to “use all available funds to get our Troops PAID on October 15th.” He added:
“We have identified funds to do this, and Secretary Hegseth will use them to PAY OUR TROOPS. I will not allow the Democrats to hold our Military, and the entire Security of our Nation, HOSTAGE, with their dangerous Government Shutdown.”
Trump cast this move as a direct pushback against what he called Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer’s “radical left” wing, accusing Democrats of threatening the security and stability of the nation by failing to fund essential government operations. (MORE NEWS: Letitia James Indicted: Virginia Grand Jury Charges NY AG)
Shutdown Threatens Military Pay
The government shutdown began October 1, after Senate Democrats repeatedly blocked clean continuing resolutions that would preserve funding at current levels. Because of this impasse, the Treasury and Department of Defense face constraints on processing regular payroll.
Traditionally, Congress must act before October 13 to allow payroll mechanisms to run smoothly. Without such action, many active-duty personnel and National Guard members risk missing their standard mid-month pay.
Trump, however, insists that military pay is nonnegotiable. He framed the issue as a moral and security imperative, vowing not to let politics jeopardize the livelihoods of those who serve.
Republicans Criticize Democrats’ Position
At the same time, House leadership has escalated criticism of Senate Democrats, particularly Schumer, according to Breitbart. Speaker Mike Johnson accused Democrats of shutting down the government to appease the “Marxist wing” of their party. He added that federal workers — including military families — are already feeling the effects of delayed pay.
House Majority Whip Tom Emmer also blamed Schumer for leveraging federal employees and service members “as hostages.” He argued that Democrats are responding to pressure from more extreme factions within their caucus.
Notably, some Republicans have claimed that Democrats plan to attend a political retreat in Napa Valley October 13–14, even while funding remains unresolved — a decision Republicans decry as tone-deaf during a shutdown. (MORE NEWS: Melania Trump Helps Reunite Ukrainian Children Amid War)
Financial Strain on Military Families
The shutdown has generated serious financial stress across military and civilian ranks. To ease the burden, institutions like Navy Federal Credit Union have already activated bridge loan and paycheck protection programs. During the last shutdown in 2019, Navy Federal processed more than $50 million in loans for about 19,000 recipients.
Meanwhile, advocacy groups such as the National Military Family Association report a surge in letters to Congress. Nearly 100,000 messages have been submitted in support of the so-called “Pay Our Troops Act,” introduced by Representative Jennifer Kiggans (R-VA).
Over 100,000 letters sent and counting.
Military families have spoken: #PayOurTroops
We’re waiting on Congress to act, but we’re not done yet. Every voice matters. Keep the pressure on until this becomes law. #MilitaryFamiliesServeToo #TogetherWereStronger #NMFA pic.twitter.com/ClXvuUcP03
— National Military Family Association (@military_family) October 11, 2025
Yet despite mounting pressure, Senate Democrats have repeatedly defeated short-term funding proposals purportedly designed to reopen agencies and restore pay.
Trump’s Strategy: Bypass the Impasse
In issuing his executive direction, Trump seeks to circumvent legislative gridlock altogether. By tapping into available or reserve funds, he aims to prevent service members from suffering due to congressional dysfunction.
He reaffirmed that reopening the government should come first: “The Radical Left Democrats should OPEN THE GOVERNMENT,” he wrote, after which other priorities — including healthcare reform — could be addressed.
Trump contrasts his approach with what he describes as Schumer’s willingness to gamble with national security and troop morale. He warns that unless Democrats act, they will be responsible for destabilizing the military’s financial footing.
Political Stakes and Public Perception
This move carries significant political implications. Ensuring troop pay during a shutdown allows Trump and Republican leaders to spotlight Democratic inaction. It also positions the GOP as defenders of military welfare, regardless of broader legislative standoffs.
On the other hand, critics may challenge the legal or constitutional authority for deploying funds outside of congressional appropriation. The question of whether the executive branch can unilaterally direct pay during a lapse in appropriations is likely to spur debate.
The Takeaway
As the October 13 deadline looms, Congress will face intense pressure. If lawmakers refuse to act, Trump’s executive order may become a test case for how far a president can go to shield essential services during shutdowns.
Still, without broad legislative cooperation, many government operations remain suspended. Even if troops get paid, other agencies will remain nonfunctional until Congress and the White House reach an agreement.
In sum, Trump’s directive to pay U.S. service members amid a shutdown marks a bold attempt to sidestep gridlock, shore up military morale, and cast blame on Democratic leaders. Whether that gambit holds — legally, politically, and practically — depends on how both sides respond in the days ahead.
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