President Trump bypassed Congress and ordered the Pentagon to spend $8 billion in unused research funds to ensure troops get paid during the government shutdown.
Story Highlights
- Trump directed Secretary of War Pete Hegseth to use $8 billion in unused DoD R&D funds for military payroll
- Government shutdown has furloughed Defense Finance and Accounting Service employees who process military pay
- No previous president has directly ordered reallocation of DoD funds for payroll during shutdown
- Military families face uncertainty despite presidential directive due to processing challenges
Trump Takes Command During Congressional Failure
President Trump announced on Truth Social Saturday that he was exercising his Commander in Chief authority to ensure troops receive October 15 paychecks despite the ongoing government shutdown. Trump directed Secretary of War Pete Hegseth to “use all available funds to get our Troops PAID,” demonstrating decisive leadership while Congress remains deadlocked. The Defense Department identified approximately $8 billion in unused research and development funds from the previous fiscal year to cover military payroll.
The troops will get paid on Oct 15th according to the President. No thanks to Schumer and the other Democrats who are perfectly willing to put them on the welfare lines. pic.twitter.com/BUmgDC6I4G
— R T (@RDog861) October 11, 2025
Pentagon Scrambles to Execute Unprecedented Order
The Defense Department faces logistical challenges implementing Trump’s directive as the government shutdown has furloughed many Defense Finance and Accounting Service employees responsible for processing military pay. Financial institutions including Navy Federal and USAA have mobilized to offer no-interest loans to affected service members, while military aid societies prepare emergency assistance programs. This marks the first time a president has directly ordered the reallocation of unused DoD funds specifically for military payroll during a shutdown.
Watch: Trump orders military troops to be paid amid government shutdown
Executive Authority Versus Congressional Appropriations
Trump’s action establishes a significant precedent for executive intervention in military compensation when Congress fails to pass appropriations bills. Policy analysts question the long-term legality of using research and development funds for payroll without explicit Congressional approval, raising constitutional concerns about separation of powers. The move demonstrates Trump’s commitment to supporting military families while highlighting the dysfunction of a Congress that would allow service members’ pay to be threatened by political gridlock.
Military Families Caught in Political Crossfire
Active duty, Guard, Reserve, and Uniformed Services personnel remain uncertain about actual payment timing despite Trump’s assurance, as furloughed DFAS employees may be unable to process transactions. This situation underscores how Congressional failures directly harm the families of those who sacrifice to defend our nation, forcing them to rely on emergency loans and aid programs.
The unprecedented executive action reveals the depth of institutional dysfunction when basic Constitutional duties like funding the military become political bargaining chips, requiring a president to circumvent normal appropriations processes to honor our commitment to service members.
Sources:
The President Says Troops Will Get Paid on October 15 – What Can Military Families Expect?
