Washington, D.C., 15 October 2025 — President Donald Trump issued a directive on Friday, 11 October, instructing the Pentagon to ensure that all active-duty U.S. service members receive their scheduled pay despite the ongoing federal government shutdown. The move comes as the shutdown enters its third week, with budget negotiations in Congress still deadlocked.
The directive, delivered to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, authorizes the Department of Defense to use available discretionary funds to cover military payroll, shielding troops from financial disruption while other federal employees face furloughs and delayed compensation.
“Our Brave Troops will miss the paychecks they are rightfully due on October 15th,” Trump wrote on Truth Social. “I will not allow the Democrats to hold our Military, and the entire Security of our Nation, hostage.”
The Pentagon is expected to draw from non-essential accounts, including research and contingency funds, to fulfill the order. While legal under emergency provisions, the decision has sparked debate over executive authority and the long-term impact on defense operations if the shutdown continues.
Broader Implications
The shutdown, which began on 1 October, has affected hundreds of thousands of federal workers and disrupted services across multiple agencies. Trump’s directive ensures short-term relief for military families but removes a key pressure point that might have accelerated congressional compromise.
No similar directive has been issued for civilian federal employees, many of whom remain unpaid. Critics argue that bypassing the appropriations process undermines legislative oversight, while supporters say the move is necessary to maintain national security.
Outlook
With no resolution in sight, the shutdown is expected to stretch further into October. Trump has signaled openness to negotiations but maintains that defense readiness and troop welfare must remain unaffected. The Pentagon’s compliance with the directive ensures that military personnel will receive their mid-month pay, even as broader fiscal tensions persist.
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