Even as the federal government shutdown drags into its third week with no end in sight, President Donald Trump says American troops will still see their paycheques on October 15. Here’s how — and why it’s controversial.
Driving the news
Trump announced on Truth Social that his administration has “identified funds” to ensure service members are paid on time, despite the budget impasse in Congress. He directed Secretary of War Pete Hegseth to “use all available funds” to get troops paid.According to the White House Office of Management and Budget, the administration plans to redirect around $8 billion from the Pentagon’s unobligated research, development, testing, and evaluation (RDT&E) funds from the previous fiscal year. These funds, which remain available for two years, will now be used to issue paycheques if the shutdown continues past October 15.
Why it matters
- Historic stakes: If not for the move, troops could have missed their first paycheques — a politically explosive scenario as the shutdown enters its third week.
- Legal questions: Redirecting already appropriated funds could open the Trump administration to legal challenges, as the US Constitution grants Congress the power of the purse.
- Political brinkmanship: Congressional Republicans have so far refused to pass a standalone bill to fund military pay, hoping the mounting pressure forces Democrats to end the shutdown.
The big picture
- $8 billion lifeline: The Pentagon confirmed it found roughly $8 billion in leftover RDT&E funds to cover paycheques — a temporary fix, not a long-term solution.
- Coast Guard uncertainty: It’s unclear if the Coast Guard — which operates under the Department of Homeland Security — will be covered. In 2019, Coast Guard members missed pay during a shutdown.
- Political optics: Trump, speaking at a Navy anniversary event, vowed, “We will get our service members every last penny,” highlighting how troop pay has become a political flashpoint amid stalled budget negotiations.
- Congress vs. White House: The workaround underscores a deeper constitutional tension — the executive branch’s emergency manoeuvring versus Congress’ spending authority.
Bottom line: Troops will likely be paid next week — but only thanks to a creative budgetary manoeuvre that sidesteps Congress. If the shutdown drags on, this patchwork solution could spark a high-stakes legal and political battle in Washington.
