Amid the US federal government's financial stagnation, President Donald Trump said on October 11 that he had ordered the Department of Defense to "use all remaining funds" to ensure US soldiers receive their salaries on time on October 15, despite a government shutdown that lasted until the third week.
Our brave warriors will not be able to receive the salary they deserve on October 15. Therefore, I have directed Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth to use all available funds to pay the militarys salaries, Trump wrote on the social network Truth Social.
According to a Pentagon official, about $8 billion spent on research, development, testing and evaluation programs will be temporarily transferred to pay soldiers if the government shutdown continues after October 15.
President Trump did not disclose details about this source of money or the total amount needed for the payment. The White House declined to comment, but analysts said it was an unprecedented decision, reflecting Mr. Trump's efforts to keep the military spirit stable during the times of escalating political crisis.
Trump's move is said to have nullified one of the "hot spots" that could put pressure on Congress to pass a spending bill. The fact that soldiers still receive their salaries could cause the Republicans - who control both the Senate and the House of Representatives - to extend the deadlock for the Democrats for another few weeks.
The federal government shutdown began on Oct. 1, when the National Assembly failed to approve a new budget package for fiscal 2026. Democrats have demanded that the spending package include expanding health insurance subsidies in the Affordable Care Act (ACA), while Trump and Republicans have strongly opposed it, saying it is a "dangerous budget burden".
I will not let our army and national security be held hostage by our Democrats in this budget crisis, Trump stressed, affirming his readiness to negotiate on health after the government is reopened.
While soldiers are guaranteed salary, thousands of other federal employees are facing temporary layoffs or forced to retire without pay. The White House Budget Office said on October 10 that it has begun cutting staff at non-essential agencies, from public services to civil research projects.
This situation has caused many cities across the US to fall into administrative chaos, as basic services such as issuing documents, court operations or aviation safety control have been partially stalled.
House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries will urgently call lawmakers back to Washington on the evening of October 14 to discuss a way out of the Republican-led crisis. However, House Speaker Mike Johnson said he would not reopen the sessions until the two sides reached a spending deal.
