Story perspectives

Trump Finds Funds to Pay Military Amid Shutdown

10/12/2025

Summary

Story summary

President Donald Trump announced October 11 that he found funds to pay military personnel on October 15 despite the government shutdown.
He directed Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to use previously approved Pentagon research and development funds.
The plan is unconventional, as military pay is typically halted during shutdowns.
The Pentagon has not commented on the plan.
With Congress not reconvening until Tuesday, military members risk missing paychecks without Trump's intervention.

History

Historical Context

The U.S. government shutdown from December 1995 to January 1996 stemmed from a budget impasse between President Bill Clinton and the Republican-controlled Congress, leading to the furlough of approximately 800,000 federal employees. This 21-day shutdown highlighted the political tensions over spending cuts and social programs, setting a precedent for future shutdowns, including the significant 35-day shutdown during Donald Trump's presidency in 2018-2019.

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Story summary

President Donald Trump announced October 11 that he found funds to pay military personnel on October 15 despite the government shutdown.
He directed Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to use previously approved Pentagon research and development funds.
The plan is unconventional, as military pay is typically halted during shutdowns.
The Pentagon has not commented on the plan.
With Congress not reconvening until Tuesday, military members risk missing paychecks without Trump's intervention.

1 / 2