Story perspectives

Trump Orders Pentagon to Pay Troops Amid Shutdown

10/12/2025

Summary

Story summary

President Donald Trump directed the Pentagon to use available funds to pay military personnel during the shutdown, but the Coast Guard is not included.
The shutdown has lasted over 11 days and forced federal worker layoffs, with more than 4,000 affected.
Trump blames Democrats for the impasse, while Democrats say the shutdown harms families and essential services.
Negotiations over health care subsidies remain stalled, complicating efforts to resolve the crisis.

History

Historical Context

The 2013 U.S. government shutdown, lasting from October 1 to October 17, furloughed 800,000 federal workers due to a budget impasse over the Affordable Care Act. This conflict echoed previous shutdowns, notably the 1995-1996 standoff under President Bill Clinton. The 2013 shutdown highlighted ongoing partisan divisions and resulted in significant public disapproval, with 81% of Americans opposing the deadlock.

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Story summary

President Donald Trump directed the Pentagon to use available funds to pay military personnel during the shutdown, but the Coast Guard is not included.
The shutdown has lasted over 11 days and forced federal worker layoffs, with more than 4,000 affected.
Trump blames Democrats for the impasse, while Democrats say the shutdown harms families and essential services.
Negotiations over health care subsidies remain stalled, complicating efforts to resolve the crisis.

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