Trump directs Pentagon to pay troops despite ongoing government shutdown
What's the story
President Donald Trump has directed the Defense Department to utilize all available funds to ensure US troops are paid, despite the ongoing government shutdown. The move comes as a temporary measure and does not extend to the hundreds of thousands of federal workers who have been furloughed due to the shutdown. Trump said that he was acting because "our Brave Troops will miss the paychecks they are rightfully due on October 15th."
Shutdown impact
Layoffs for federal employees have begun
The President's directive could ease some pressure on Congress, possibly extending the current shutdown into a third week or longer. However, no similar action has been announced for federal employees who are also working without pay and facing layoffs during this government operations lapse. The White House budget office began these layoffs on Friday.
Blame game
Where is the money coming from?
Trump has blamed Democrats for the ongoing government shutdown and is using his authority as commander in chief to direct Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to use all available funds to ensure troops are paid on time. "We have identified funds to do this, and Secretary Hegseth will use them to PAY OUR TROOPS," Trump said. However, it remains unclear where exactly this money is coming from.
Family concerns
Anxiety levels rising among service members and families
The current shutdown, the third in 12 years, has raised anxiety levels among service members and their families as they continue to work without pay. Although they would receive back pay once the impasse ends, many military families live paycheck to paycheck. During past shutdowns, Congress passed legislation guaranteeing troops continued payment of their salaries, but similar discussions appear to have fizzled out this time around.
Shutdown origins
Government shutdown began on October 1
The current government shutdown began on October 1 after Democrats rejected a short-term funding fix, insisting that the bill include an extension of federal health insurance subsidies under the Affordable Care Act. The end of these subsidies at year-end would mean higher monthly costs for millions. Trump and Republican leaders have expressed willingness to negotiate on health subsidies but insist that the government must reopen first.