President Donald Trump on Saturday promised America’s men and women in uniform that they will receive “every last penny” of their pay once the government shutdown ends — even as thousands of military families face delayed checks and shuttered base services.
Speaking at an event celebrating the U.S. Navy’s 250th anniversary, Trump directly addressed the growing frustration among service members affected by what he called a “Democrat-induced shutdown.” “I want you to know that despite the current Democrat-induced shutdown, we will get our servicemembers every last penny,” Trump declared. “Don’t worry about it, it’s all coming.”
The shutdown has frozen pay for active-duty troops and furloughed thousands of civilian War Department employees. Critical family support programs — including child care centers, commissaries, and on-base services — have been scaled back, leaving families struggling to cover sudden expenses.
At a previous appearance in Quantico, Trump also announced his plan to secure a 3.8% across-the-board pay raise for every service member. “Something you weren’t getting from the past administration,” he said, drawing applause from military leaders in attendance.
Trump has consistently placed blame for the shutdown on Democrats, accusing them of holding military families hostage for political gain. Before departing for Norfolk, he posted on Truth Social that Democrats were attempting “to destroy this wonderful celebration of the U.S. Navy’s Birthday,” before adding defiantly, “I believe, ‘THE SHOW MUST GO ON!’”
