President Donald Trump announced that his administration has “found money” to pay U.S. military personnel within a few days, despite the ongoing government shutdown now stretching into its third week. Trump gave direct orders to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to utilize available funds and guarantee troops receive their paychecks by October 15, a move confirmed by both the White House and Pentagon officials.
The administration plans to use roughly $8 billion in unobligated Defense Department research and development funds to ensure troops are paid on time, sidestepping the risk of service members missing their first payday during the shutdown. While this directive covers military salaries, hundreds of thousands of other federal employees remain furloughed or unpaid as the budget stalemate drags on.
Trump used his social media platform to sharply criticize Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, after Schumer was quoted as telling Democrats “every day gets better for us” during the shutdown. Trump accused Democrats of holding the military “hostage,” urging Congress particularly Senate Democrats to end the impasse blocking a funding bill.
The ongoing shutdown began on October 1 after a standoff over health insurance subsidies derailed spending negotiations. Both parties continue to trade blame as many Americans, especially military families, brace for the economic impact.
