As the federal government shutdown drags into its 11th day, the Trump administration has unveiled a stopgap plan to ensure military personnel continue receiving paychecks. The president announced on Truth Social that he is directing Secretary of War Pete Hegseth to mobilize “all available funds” to pay troops on October 15.
Though specifics on the funding source and total amount remain undisclosed, a Pentagon official indicated that roughly $8 billion earmarked for research, development, testing, and evaluation could be redirected to cover military salaries if the shutdown persists.
The deadlock stems from a partisan standoff over funding, with Senate Republicans unable to secure the 60 votes needed to pass a spending bill without at least some Democratic support. Democrats are leveraging the impasse to demand extensions and expansions of healthcare subsidies under the Affordable Care Act, refusing to approve spending legislation that sidesteps the issue.
Trump framed the move as a defensive measure, insisting Democrats should not “hold our Military…HOSTAGE” due to the ongoing shutdown. He signaled a willingness to negotiate on healthcare if lawmakers agree to reopen the government.
Meanwhile, the shutdown has begun to impact thousands of federal employees, with looming layoffs already in motion. In response, House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries called minority Democrats back to Washington for emergency discussions on Tuesday evening, despite House leadership stating no sessions will occur until the shutdown ends.
