Trump Orders Hegseth to Use “All Available Funds” to Pay Troops as Shutdown Enters 12th Day, Blaming Schumer
President Donald Trump ordered Secretary of War Pete Hegseth to use “all available funds” to ensure military pay amid the 12th day of a government shutdown, publicly blaming Senate Democrats and promising protection for service members and their families.
- President’s order: Trump directed the use of identified funds to pay troops and publicly blamed Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer for the shutdown.
- Unclear legal basis: Administration officials say funds were identified but have not disclosed account sources or statutory authority to guarantee pay during a lapse in appropriations.
- Operational strain: Secretary Hegseth warned the shutdown harms training, readiness and civilian support services while active-duty troops remain on duty.
- Political standoff: The impasse centers on a funding bill and disputes over Affordable Care Act subsidies; Democrats refuse a CR without expanded subsidies and Republicans lack 60 votes in the Senate.
Key information
Trump posted the directive on Truth Social and said he will not allow Democrats to “hold our Military, and the entire Security of our Nation, HOSTAGE.” Administration officials say funds have been identified but have not revealed the legal mechanics or specific accounts that would ensure payroll during a lapse in appropriations. This announcement aims to reassure troops and shift political blame.
Selected reporting: Just The News; KFGO; Washington Examiner.
What Trump ordered and why
In a Truth Social post shared Saturday, Trump framed the move as protecting service members from what he called a “Radical Left Shutdown.” He quoted Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, rejecting a reported “Every day gets better” remark and insisting, “I DISAGREE!” He instructed Hegseth to use “all available funds” to pay troops and promised they would receive “every last penny” once the impasse is resolved.
Reporting on the directive appears in outlets including Just The News and The Daily Beast.
How the Pentagon has responded
Secretary Hegseth echoed the president’s concern publicly, criticizing Democrats for politicizing military funding and stressing the operational strain caused by the shutdown. He warned that training, readiness and critical support functions are affected even as active-duty troops remain on duty. See coverage at Fox News and a public video of remarks on YouTube.
Pentagon and White House officials have not publicly detailed the accounting or statutory authority that would allow payroll during a full shutdown; media reports note administration claims that funds were “identified” but lack public accounting of transfers or legal cover. Reporting: KFGO; Washington Examiner.
Political context and legislative maneuvers
The shutdown began Oct. 1 and has entered its 12th day. Democrats have refused to back a short-term continuing resolution that does not expand Affordable Care Act subsidies; Republicans lack the 60 votes needed to overcome a Senate filibuster. House Republicans rejected a targeted military pay bill, arguing it would undercut a broader funding approach and weaken negotiating leverage. See KFGO and The Daily Beast.
Impact on service members and families
Active-duty troops continue to perform missions but uncertainty about pay strains families. Non-essential civilian War Department employees have been furloughed and support services such as childcare and commissaries have been disrupted—affecting morale and household budgets. Military families report worry over routine bills and childcare access.
Administration intent: The White House hopes identification of funds and the order to Hegseth will calm fears, but absent clear timing and source details anxiety persists. Coverage: Fox News; KFGO.
Media and legal questions
Journalists and policy experts note the administration has not publicly explained the legal basis for diverting funds or ensuring pay during a funding lapse. Normally, Congress appropriates funds and many federal activities halt absent appropriations. The administration’s assertion that it can find funds raises questions about statutory authority, accounting transparency, and potential legal challenges.
Readers can review reporting that raises these questions at KFGO and Washington Examiner.
House action and politics on the hill
A blocked Democratic effort to pass a narrow military pay measure in the House illustrated internal strategy battles: House Republicans argued targeted bills could undercut broader bargaining positions. That choice has left troop pay entangled in larger fights over federal spending and policy concessions. See The Daily Beast.
Implications for Utah
Economic: Utah hosts major military installations and defense contractors; delayed pay would ripple through local economies, affecting consumer spending and small businesses near bases.
Political: Utah’s conservative electorate and local leaders likely to respond favorably to messaging that emphasizes protecting troop pay; the order may be amplified by state Republicans.
Social & practical: Military families near Hill Air Force Base and Camp Williams face immediate pressure. Local employers, governments and lenders may need temporary relief measures; community and faith groups could mobilize to provide short-term assistance.
Sources and further reading
- Just The News: Trump directs Hegseth to use all available funds to pay troops during shutdown
- The Daily Beast: Pete Hegseth gets Donald Trump order to pay troops despite shutdown
- KFGO: Trump says his administration identified funds to pay troops during shutdown
- India Today: Trump orders Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth to pay military troops despite government shutdown
- Washington Examiner: Trump directs Hegseth to pay troops during government shutdown
- Fox News: Hegseth blasts Democrats; Trump tells troops every last penny coming
- Fox News: Trump tells troops every last penny coming despite ongoing government shutdown affecting military pay
- YouTube: Pete Hegseth remarks
Report compiled from Times Media Service reporting and the sources listed above.
