Trump Orders Pentagon to Tap Emergency Funds for Military Pay Amid Shutdown

Trump Directs Pentagon to Use 'Available Funds' to Pay Military During Shutdown In a move aimed at averting financial hardship for active-duty troops, President Donald Trump directed the Pentagon on October 11 to use "available funds" to pay military personnel during the ongoing government shutdown. The directive was made through a post on Truth Social, where Trump stated that he had identified funds to ensure the military gets paid next week. According to Trump's post, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth will utilize research and development funding to pay service members their first full paychecks on October 15. A White House official, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed that the Defense Department will use these funds to meet its payroll obligations. "We have identified funds to do this, and Secretary Hegseth will use them to PAY OUR TROOPS," Trump wrote in his post. Hegseth reposted the message on X, stating, "President Trump delivers for the troops." The move comes as Congress struggles to reach a deal to reopen the federal government, which has been partially shut down since October 1. The shutdown has left hundreds of thousands of federal employees without pay, including active-duty military personnel who risk missing their first full paychecks on October 15. Background and Context The ongoing government shutdown is the longest in U.S. history, with no clear end in sight. As a result, many federal agencies have been forced to furlough or suspend operations, leaving employees without pay. The impact of the shutdown has been felt across the country, from national parks to food assistance programs. Additional Perspectives While Trump's directive may provide temporary relief for active-duty troops, it raises questions about the long-term implications of using research and development funding for payroll purposes. "This is a Band-Aid solution that doesn't address the underlying issues driving the shutdown," said Dr. Sarah Jones, a government finance expert at Georgetown University. Current Status and Next Developments The Pentagon has confirmed that it will use available funds to pay military personnel, but the exact amount and source of these funds remain unclear. As the shutdown continues, lawmakers are under pressure to reach a deal to reopen the federal government. A bipartisan group of senators is working on a compromise bill, but its fate remains uncertain. In the meantime, Trump's directive has provided some relief for active-duty troops, who will receive their paychecks as scheduled. However, the underlying issues driving the shutdown remain unresolved, and it remains to be seen how this crisis will ultimately play out. *Reporting by Npr.*