Trump Directs Pentagon to Pay Troops Amid Government Shutdown
President Trump issued a formal memo today directing the Pentagon to utilize unspent funds to ensure military personnel receive their paychecks despite the ongoing government shutdown.
The White House released the memo, stating that failing to compensate service members “presents a serious and unacceptable threat to military readiness and the ability of our Armed Forces to protect and defend our Nation.” The directive instructs the Secretary of War to allocate funds “that are provided for purposes that have a reasonable, logical relationship to the pay and allowances of military personnel, consistent with applicable law.” Officials confirmed the Pentagon is drawing from unspent research and development funds, with plans to replenish those accounts once the shutdown concludes. This move comes as the shutdown enters its third week, impacting hundreds of thousands of federal workers.
The memo further stipulates that upon resolution of the appropriations lapse, “every effort should be made…to adjust applicable funding accounts within the Department of War to ensure the continuation of Department of War operations and activities consistent with planned expenditures prior to the lapse.” The ongoing dispute centers on federal spending levels, with both parties blaming each other for the impasse. For more information on the shutdown’s impact, see USA.gov’s shutdown resources.
This action follows Senate Republicans’ ninth failed attempt to advance a House-passed measure to fund the government until November 21, falling short of the required 60 votes in a 51-44 vote earlier today. Speaker Mike Johnson stated that without President Trump’s intervention, 1.3 million active-duty service members risked missing their paychecks, potentially impacting morale and readiness. The White House Office of Management and Budget head, Russell Vought, indicated potential layoffs could exceed 10,000 federal workers as the shutdown persists, as reported by NBC News.
Officials say the administration will continue to seek a bipartisan resolution to end the shutdown and restore full funding to all government operations.
