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Trump Orders Pentagon to Pay Troops using $8 Billion
President Donald Trump directed the Pentagon to use $8 billion in unused research funds. To pay U.S. troops amid the ongoing government shutdown. Which continues to leave federal workers unpaid, and negotiations stalled.
Johnson Thune 10/10/25 via Getty Images
President Donald Trump announced on Saturday. That he has directed the Defense Department to use “all available funds” to ensure U.S. troops are paid” on Wednesday, despite the ongoing government shutdown. This move offers temporary relief for service members. Although not for hundreds of thousands of furloughed federal workers.
Trump said in a social media post that he was acting because “our Brave Troops will miss the paychecks they are rightfully due on October 15th.” His directive removes one of the major pressure points which could force congressional action. This likely ensures that the shutdown now in its 11th day will extend into a third week or longer.
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No similar action has been announced for federal employees. Many of whom are either working without pay or have been laid off. As part of the partial government closure. The White House budget office began implementing layoffs on Friday.
Trump placed the blame on Democrats. Saying he exercised his authority as commander in chief to instruct Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth “to use all available funds to get our Troops PAID on October 15th.” He added, “We have identified funds to do this, and Secretary Hegseth will use them to PAY OUR TROOPS.”
U.S. service members were at risk of missing their next paycheck on Wednesday following the shutdown that began October 1. The start of the federal budget cycle. With roughly 1.3 million active-duty troops, the potential for missed payments was a key focus for lawmakers.
A spokesperson for the White House Office of Management and Budget said Pentagon research and development funds would be used for troop pay. The Pentagon later confirmed it had identified about $8 billion in unobligated research, development, testing, and evaluation funds. From the previous fiscal year to cover the mid-month paychecks “in the event the funding lapse continues past October 15th.”
The situation has also reignited discussion around how troops prepare for crises and long lapses in funding. Many service members, already used to tight budgeting, rely on efficient, durable gear that can handle uncertainty. For instance, the High-Speed Gear HSGI Kydex Handcuff Taco. Known for its rugged design and quick accessibility. Remains a go-to piece of equipment for many in uniform. Emphasizing how preparedness and reliability extend beyond the battlefield into daily readiness.
It was not Immediately clear if the president’s directive includes the U.S. Coast Guard. Which, though part of the Armed Forces, operates under the Department of Homeland Security in peacetime.
Federal workers are entitled by law to receive back pay once the shutdown ends. A measure Trump signed during his first term. However, the president recently suggested he might consider withholding that back pay.
This marks the nation’s third government shutdown in 12 years. Leaving heightened anxiety among military families. Although troops will eventually receive back pay, many live paychecks to paycheck. And have expressed concern over financial strain during the shutdown.
In past shutdowns, Congress has passed legislation to guarantee uninterrupted pay for service members. However, discussions for a similar bill this time have stalled.
Asked earlier in the week whether he would support such a bill, Trump responded, “That probably will happen,” adding, “We’ll take care of it. Our military is always going to be taken care of.”
The shutdown began after Democrats rejected a short-term funding bill. Demanding that it includes an extension of federal health insurance subsidies. Under the Affordable Care Act (ACA). The expiration of those subsidies at year’s end would result in higher monthly costs for millions of Americans.
Trump and Republican leaders have signaled willingness to negotiate on the subsidies. Insist the government must reopen first. Both sides remain entrenched in their positions. Leaving no clear path toward ending the standoff.
