Trump Claims to Find Way to Pay US Military Amid Government Shutdown

TL/DR –

Donald Trump has claimed that he has found a way to pay US military troops during the ongoing federal government shutdown. Trump instructed Pete Hegseth, the Defense Secretary, to release funds and ensure troops were paid by October 15. The federal government shutdown, which began on October 1, has resulted in more than 1.3 million military personnel across the US not receiving their first post-shutdown paychecks, and an estimated 750,000 federal employees being furloughed.

Trump Claims to Find Way to Pay Military amid Federal Government Shutdown

Donald Trump declared on Saturday that he’s found a way to pay US military troops amidst the ongoing federal government shutdown, instructing Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth to release funds.

In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump announced: “I am using my authority to direct Pete Hegseth to use all available funds to get our troops PAID on October 15.” Trump said he had identified the funds and added: “I will not let Democrats hold our military hostage with their risky government shutdown.”

The recent federal government shutdown began on 1 October, causing over 1.3 million military personnel across the country to potentially miss their first post-shutdown paychecks. An estimated 750,000 federal employees have also been furloughed due to the shutdown.

Federal workers typically receive pay once a shutdown ends, whether they are furloughed or working. The US Senate remained deadlocked over a bill to end the shutdown on Thursday, despite Trump’s threat to make Democrats pay for the funding lapse.

The White House announced the dismissal of federal workers on Friday. Union leaders warned the layoffs could severely impact services and vowed to challenge them in court.

After the news of Trump’s plan to pay the military, Hegseth responded: “President Trump delivers for the troops.”

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