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2h ago

Trump Redirects Pentagon Funds to Ensure Troops Are Paid Oct. 15 During Shutdown

Roughly $8 billion in unobligated research and development funds will finance the checks, easing political pressure on lawmakers locked in a shutdown standoff.

US Navy sailors listen to President Donald Trump speak during the Navy's 250th anniversary celebration in Norfolk, Virginia, on October 5, 2025
Vehicles wait in line to enter Joshua Tree National Park in California, on October 10, 2025, on the tenth day of the federal government shutdown. The US national park in southeastern California, located in both the Mojave and Colorado deserts, has remained open and accessible since the shutdown began. Some visitor services are limited or closed, with entrance fees not collected as a limited staff of maintenance personnel remain on duty.
A general view of the U.S. Capitol from downtown Washington during the continuing partial federal government shutdown on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., U.S., October 8, 2025. REUTERS/Jonathan Ernst/File Photo
The U.S. Capitol building is seen at night in Washington. (Photo by Jen Golbeck / SOPA Images/Sipa USA)(Sipa via AP Images)

Overview

  • President Trump directed Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to use “all available funds” so service members receive their Oct. 15 pay despite the funding lapse.
  • The Pentagon said it identified about $8 billion in unobligated RDT&E money from the prior fiscal year to issue paychecks if the shutdown persists.
  • The temporary fix does not extend to civilian federal workers, who remain furloughed or unpaid as layoffs proceed across multiple agencies.
  • Shifting appropriated defense funds could draw legal and watchdog scrutiny under the Antideficiency Act, with GAO citing similar concerns in past shutdowns.
  • Congress remains deadlocked over health‑care subsidy policy, aides warned payroll needed legislation by Oct. 13, and it is unclear whether the Coast Guard will be covered.