President Trump directed Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to ensure that U.S. military personnel receive pay on October 15 despite the ongoing government shutdown. He accused Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and Democrats of holding “our Military … HOSTAGE” in a public post.
In his statement, Trump said, “We have identified funds to do this, and Secretary Hegseth will use them to PAY OUR TROOPS.” He emphasized that while he will protect military pay, he will not allow the shutdown to continue indefinitely under pressure from Democrats.
The Pentagon plans to tap “available funds” including unobligated research and development budgets to cover the paychecks. However, it remains uncertain whether this is legal under the Antideficiency Act, which prohibits spending not appropriated by Congress.
The move applies only to military personnel; furloughed federal workers are not covered under this directive.
This bold move reinforces President Trump’s commitment to standing with the military even amid partisan gridlock. By prioritizing service members’ pay and directing action despite legal uncertainties, Trump draws a sharp contrast with Democrat leadership, particularly Senator Schumer, whom he accuses of leveraging troop livelihoods for political gain. The decision sends a clear message: national defense and those who serve will not be used as bargaining chips in Washington’s power struggles.
