By Caaqil News Staff Writer
October 12, 2025 | Washington, D.C
In a dramatic move amid a deepening government shutdown, former U.S. President Donald J. Trump has ordered the Department of Defense to repurpose federal funds to pay military personnel, ensuring that service members continue receiving their paychecks even as most other government workers face financial uncertainty.
The decision, announced late Monday night, comes as the shutdown entered its third week, leaving hundreds of thousands of federal employees furloughed and countless others working without pay. Trump’s directive aims to shield America’s armed forces from the economic pain spreading across the nation.
Our Troops Will Not Suffer
Speaking from his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida, Trump stated that “America’s heroes should never miss a paycheck because of political games in Washington.” He added that the Pentagon had been authorized to “repurpose and reallocate funds within the defense budget” to ensure timely payments to all active-duty service members and key support staff.
>The men and women who defend this nation deserve stability, not stress,” Trump said. “While others in government argue, our troops will continue to be paid—full and on time.”
The White House and Pentagon sources confirmed that the Defense Department is moving swiftly to execute the order, exploring legal channels that would allow it to redirect certain operational and reserve funds toward payroll obligations.
The Shutdown Crisis Deepens
The current shutdown, one of the longest in modern U.S. history, began after a budget impasse between the administration and Congress over funding priorities, including border security, domestic spending, and foreign aid.
As of this week, nearly 850,000 federal workers remain without pay. Agencies like the Department of Homeland Security, Internal Revenue Service, and Environmental Protection Agency have halted or scaled back most of their operations.
Meanwhile, national parks, museums, and public services continue to close their doors, and the economic impact is being felt across several states. Economists estimate that the shutdown is costing the U.S. economy billions of dollars weekly, with ripple effects on small businesses and government contractors.
Pentagon’s Response and Implementation Plan
According to a senior Defense Department official who spoke on condition of anonymity, the Pentagon has been instructed to identify non-critical projects and unused budget allocations to temporarily finance payroll.
The official noted that while such reallocation is “legally complex,” the department believes it can be done without violating congressional funding restrictions.
>We are treating this as an emergency situation,” the official said. “Our goal is to make sure no service member misses a paycheck, even if it requires moving money between programs temporarily.
Sources say military paychecks could resume as early as Wednesday, pending final authorization from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB).
Mixed Reactions from Lawmakers
Trump’s announcement has sparked diverse reactions on Capitol Hill. Supporters praised the move as a necessary step to protect those who serve the nation, while critics accused him of bypassing congressional authority.
Senator Tom Cotton (R-AR), a strong ally of Trump and an Army veteran, applauded the decision:
>It’s the right thing to do. The military should never be caught in the crossfire of politics.”
However, Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) expressed concern over the legality of the action, warning that “diverting appropriated funds without congressional approval sets a dangerous precedent.”
>No president should unilaterally decide how to spend taxpayer money,” Warren said. “Even when the cause seems noble, it undermines the checks and balances of our democracy.”
Public Reaction: Support and Skepticism
Across the country, reactions from the public have been equally divided. Many military families expressed relief after weeks of anxiety, while others questioned how long the Pentagon could sustain such funding without a formal budget
Sarah Jenkins, the spouse of a deployed Marine in California, told Caaqil News that the announcement brought “a sense of peace after sleepless nights.”
>We’ve been worried about bills and rent. Knowing my husband’s paycheck is secure means the world to us,” she said.
Meanwhile, fiscal analysts warn that repurposing defense funds could strain other critical military programs if the shutdown persists.
>It’s a short-term fix,” said David Rosenberg, a defense budget expert at the Brookings Institution. “If Congress doesn’t resolve the funding impasse soon, the Pentagon will face hard choices about which operations to delay or cancel.”
Political Strategy or Genuine Concern?
Some political observers believe Trump’s decision is also a strategic move aimed at bolstering his image as a defender of the military, especially as the 2026 midterm elections draw closer.
Dr. Karen Phillips, a political science professor at Georgetown University, told Caaqil News:
>This decision reinforces Trump’s long-standing message: he stands with the troops. But it also puts pressure on Congress to act quickly, as the public tends to side with measures that support military families.”
Trump’s critics, however, argue that he is using the military as a political shield, deflecting blame for the shutdown’s broader consequences.
What Happens Next
As the situation unfolds, all eyes are now on Congress, where negotiations over a potential funding compromise continue. Lawmakers face growing pressure from both the public and federal employees to end the standoff.
If the shutdown continues, experts warn of long-term damage to national security operations, as civilian defense contractors and analysts remain furloughed.
The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) has advised affected workers to “prepare for extended disruption” and seek alternative financial assistance programs.
