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Trump bypasses Congress to pay troops during ongoing government shutdown


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President Donald Trump on Wednesday signed a directive ordering the War Department to continue paying U.S. troops despite the ongoing government shutdown, bypassing Congress after lawmakers failed to reach a funding deal for weeks.

The White House said the move was necessary to protect “military readiness” as the budget crisis continues into its third week. Order issued in the name of National Security Presidential Memorandum-8 (NSPM-8), directs the Department to use available funds for fiscal year 2026 to cover military salaries and allowances.

“The expiration of current appropriations represents a serious and unacceptable threat to the military readiness and ability of our Armed Forces to protect and defend our nation,” the memo said.

Trump cited his Article II powers as commander-in-chief in issuing the order, which covers active-duty forces and reservists on duty orders. The directive directs officials to use only funds legally associated with military pay, in coordination with the Office of Management and Budget (OMB).

Trump’s move saves troop pay, but Republicans warn of continued shutdown risks

President Trump issued a memo on Wednesday ordering US troops to be paid amid the ongoing government shutdown. (Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)

More than a million service members are expected to lose pay starting this week if Congress does not act. Trump’s move represents a departure from previous administrations, which often waited for bipartisan deals rather than intervening directly.

Republican Rep. Nick Lalotta told Fox News Digital, “Trump’s action in the middle of the month was welcome news for the military community. But now that same community is worried about what will happen at the end of the month, when all mortgages, rents and car payments are due.”

“Democrats have made a mistake in trying to use troop pay as a means to achieve their political goals. It would be wrong, and it would be just as wrong, for a Republican to hope that this pay shortfall will be an incentive to force Democrats to acquiesce,” Lalota said. “[Trump is] “Protecting troops when Congress won’t.”

Johnson warns that the White House may “run out” of money to pay for military expenses if the shutdown continues

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth arrives at a news conference at the Pentagon

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth arrives for a news conference at the Pentagon, June 22, 2025, in Arlington, Virginia. (Andrew Harnick/Getty Images)

The Pentagon did not say which specific accounts would be used. Reports from Roll Call and Reuters indicate that the administration has identified nearly $8 billion in unobligated defense funds as potential options.

Critics warn the move could face legal challenges under the Anti-Deficiency Act, which prohibits spending money not appropriated by Congress. But White House officials say the law allows spending that has a “reasonable and logical relationship” to the purpose of the original funds: in this case, keeping troops paid.

The Capitol Dome and a sign warning that the Capitol Visitor Center is closed due to the lockdown

The government shutdown is expected to cost taxpayers $400 million a day to pay federal employees, according to Congressional Budget Office data. (Muhammad Eser/Anadolu via Getty Images)

Fox News has reached out to the White House, Office of Management and Budget and the War Department for further comment. No one responded.

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This directive follows Trump’s October 11 order to continue the flow of troop payments during the lockdown period. The White House’s latest move on Wednesday as Congress remains gridlocked could mark a government shutdown for generations to come.

Fox News Digital’s Elizabeth Elkind contributed to this report.

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