Trump identifies Pentagon funds to pay troops on Oct 15 amid government shutdown. Read how this impacts military service members.
Table of Contents
Trump Says Administration Has ‘Identified Funds’ to Pay Troops Next Week
Introduction
President Donald Trump has announced that the administration has “identified funds” to ensure military troops receive their paychecks on October 15, even as the government shutdown enters its third week. This move comes amid growing concerns that service members could miss their first paychecks, marking one of the most urgent challenges of the ongoing funding lapse. The Pentagon plans to redirect $8 billion of unobligated research and development funds to cover payroll if the shutdown persists.
How the Administration Plans to Fund Military Paychecks
Trump detailed the plan on Truth Social, stating he would direct Secretary of War Pete Hegseth to use all available funds to ensure troops are paid. According to a White House Office of Management and Budget spokesperson:
- Funds will come from the Pentagon’s research and development budget.
- These funds are unobligated from the prior fiscal year and can be used for two years.
- The Pentagon estimates $8 billion is available to cover service members’ pay if the shutdown continues.
This strategy reflects the administration’s commitment to fulfilling promises to military personnel despite government funding gaps.
Potential Legal Challenges and Congressional Oversight
Redirecting funds already appropriated by Congress could trigger legal and political challenges:
- Under the U.S. Constitution, Congress has the exclusive authority to control federal spending.
- Using Pentagon R&D funds to pay troops may face scrutiny from lawmakers and watchdogs.
- GOP leaders previously rejected a standalone military pay bill, making this the administration’s most dramatic attempt to pressure Democrats to end the shutdown.
The decision underscores the tension between executive action and legislative authority in crisis situations.
Military Pay During Government Shutdowns — Historical Context
Partial government shutdowns have previously affected military pay:
- 2019 Shutdown: Active-duty Coast Guard members did not receive paychecks, marking the first time U.S. Armed Forces service members missed pay due to a funding lapse. They later received back pay.
- Unlike other branches, the US Coast Guard operates under the Department of Homeland Security, which can complicate funding during shutdowns.
This history raises questions about whether all branches, including the Coast Guard, will receive timely pay this time.
Trump’s Promises to Service Members
Trump has consistently assured that service members will be paid despite the shutdown:
- “We will get our service members every last penny. He reassured troops at a Navy gathering in Norfolk, Virginia, saying they would receive every penny owed.
- The administration aims to maintain morale and stability for active-duty troops.
Redirecting funds highlights the administration’s urgent focus on military personnel welfare amid political gridlock.
Implications for Military and the Government
The move has several broader implications:
- Political Tension: May spark conflicts between Congress and the executive branch.
- Legal Questions: Could face judicial review over fund reallocation.
- Operational Continuity: Ensures troops maintain pay during the funding lapse.
- Future Precedents: Could influence how future shutdowns are handled regarding military pay.
This decision illustrates the delicate balance between ensuring troop welfare and adhering to legal frameworks.
FAQs
Q1: Will all military branches be paid during the shutdown?
A1: The Pentagon plans to use R&D funds for payroll, but it’s unclear if the Coast Guard will be included due to its DHS alignment.
Q2: How much money is available for military pay?
A2: Approximately $8 billion of unobligated funds from prior fiscal years has been identified for troop pay.
Q3: Could Congress challenge this fund reallocation?
A3: Yes. Congress has the power of the purse, and redirecting appropriated funds could face legal scrutiny.
Q4: When will troops receive their paychecks?
A4: The administration plans to issue paychecks on October 15, if the shutdown continues.
Q5: Has this happened before?
A5: During the 2019 partial shutdown, Coast Guard members temporarily missed pay but received back pay later.
Conclusion
The Trump administration’s move to identify funds for military pay represents a critical effort to protect service members amid a prolonged government shutdown. While legal and political challenges remain, the administration’s commitment reassures troops that they will receive their pay.