Trump Directs Pentagon to Pay Troops During Government Shutdown

The move follows recent CBO guidance that mandatory accounts under recent legislation could be tapped to cover military pay.
Trump Directs Pentagon to Pay Troops During Government Shutdown
President Donald Trump, joined by Secretary of War Pete Hegseth (R), speaks during a Cabinet meeting at the White House on Oct. 9, 2025. Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images
Tom Ozimek
Tom Ozimek
Reporter
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President Donald Trump said on Oct. 11 that his administration has located funds to keep active-duty service members paid during the government shutdown, saying he will not let Democrats hold the military “hostage” as the Oct. 15 payday looms.

“I am using my authority, as Commander in Chief, to direct our Secretary of War, Pete Hegseth, to use all available funds to get our troops PAID on October 15th,” Trump wrote on Truth Social. “We have identified funds to do this, and Secretary Hegseth will use them to PAY OUR TROOPS.”

Tom Ozimek
Tom Ozimek
Reporter
Tom Ozimek is a senior reporter for The Epoch Times. He has a broad background in journalism, deposit insurance, marketing and communications, and adult education.
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