President Donald Trump announced on October 11, 2025, that he has directed Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth to use available funds to pay active-duty troops on October 15, despite the ongoing government shutdown. The move comes as service members face the risk of missing their first full paychecks amid a funding stalemate between Republicans and Democrats. Trump blamed Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and Democrats for the impasse.
The U.S. government shutdown, which began on October 1, 2025, after Congress failed to pass a spending bill, has entered its second week, affecting federal operations and workers. At the center of the dispute is a Republican-backed continuing resolution (CR) passed by the House on September 19 to maintain funding at fiscal year 2025 levels through November 21, without policy changes. Democrats, led by Schumer, have blocked the bill in the Senate seven times, demanding it include an extension of Affordable Care Act subsidies set to expire at year's end, which they argue would prevent premium increases for millions.
In a Truth Social post, Trump stated: "I am using my authority, as Commander in Chief, to direct our Secretary of War, Pete Hegseth, to use all available funds to get our Troops PAID on October 15th. We have identified funds to do this, and Secretary Hegseth will use them to PAY OUR TROOPS." A White House official specified that research and development funds, available for two years, would cover the payments. Hegseth reposted the message on X, saying, "President Trump delivers for the troops."
Trump criticized Schumer, quoting his recent remark to Punchbowl News: "Every day gets better for us," regarding the Democratic strategy. "If nothing is done, because of ‘Leader’ Chuck Schumer and the Democrats, our Brave Troops will miss the paychecks they are rightfully due on October 15th," Trump wrote. He added that Democrats should reopen the government first, then negotiate on healthcare.
The shutdown has broader impacts, including layoffs at agencies like the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and closures of Smithsonian museums starting October 12. Active-duty personnel must continue working without pay until resolution, though backpay is typically provided later. Republicans, including New York House members and GOP veterans, have urged Senate Democrats to support the clean CR to avoid missed paychecks.
