President Donald Trump announced Friday that he has directed Secretary of War Pete Hegseth to use “all available funds” to ensure U.S. troops receive their paychecks on October 15, despite the ongoing government shutdown that has left federal employees and military families facing mounting financial strain.
Trump’s declaration came in a Truth Social post responding to Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer’s controversial remark earlier this week that “every day gets better” during the shutdown, comments that the White House previously condemned as “a sickening display of elitist indifference,” as previously reported by The Dallas Express.
“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,” Trump wrote. “I will not allow the Democrats to hold our military, and the entire security of our nation, hostage, with their dangerous government shutdown.”
The announcement escalates the partisan standoff on Capitol Hill, now in its second week, with no clear resolution in sight.
Funding Path Identified
Trump said his administration had “identified funds” to ensure that service members are paid as scheduled. While the president did not specify which accounts would be used, the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) said the Department of War may have access to mandatory funding provided under the 2025 reconciliation act and other prior appropriations.
Those funds, already approved by Congress, could legally be used to pay active-duty personnel during a shutdown, allowing the president’s directive to move forward without requiring new congressional action.
In a letter responding to questions raised by Sen. Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), the CBO wrote that such funding “could be used to pay active-duty personnel during a shutdown, thus reducing the number of excepted workers who would receive delayed compensation.”
Administration officials emphasized that the plan relies on funds already appropriated to the Department of War, enabling the White House to prioritize troop pay within existing budget authority.
Under the U.S. Constitution, Congress controls federal spending, but presidents can direct agencies to prioritize or accelerate unobligated funds that have already been approved by Congress within their departments, an approach that CBO analysts said would allow the administration to lawfully pay troops even during a funding lapse.
Relief for Military Families
The directive offers a measure of relief to military families facing mounting uncertainty. The U.S. has roughly 1.3 million active-duty service members, many of whom were preparing for delayed pay as the shutdown entered its 11th day.
Trump’s move drew praise from Republican lawmakers and conservative commentators who said the decision demonstrates leadership and prioritizes national security.
At the same time, veterans’ organizations and military families expressed relief that troops would not miss pay amid the ongoing shutdown.
Military spouses nationwide have described the situation as “terrifying,” citing struggles to afford rent, groceries, and baby formula while lawmakers remain gridlocked.
Political Standoff Deepens
Trump’s announcement removes one of the biggest pressure points that could have forced Congress into action, potentially prolonging the standoff as Democrats face mounting public criticism over the shutdown’s economic fallout.
Schumer’s “every day gets better” remark continues to draw widespread backlash, with critics calling it tone-deaf amid reports of unpaid workers and stalled small-business contracts.
“The Democrats should open the government, and then we can work together to address healthcare and many other things that they want to destroy,” Trump added.
The shutdown, which began October 1, is now in its 11th day with no deal in sight.