Trump Ensures Military Pay Amid Ongoing Government Shutdown
President Trump has directed the Pentagon to secure military pay during the government shutdown, blaming Democrats for the impasse and ensuring troops are compensated.
Trump directs Hegseth to pay troops during government shutdown
Washington Examiner
Overview
- President Trump has ordered the Pentagon to ensure military personnel are paid during the ongoing government shutdown, which began on October 1st.
- The shutdown occurred due to a failure to pass a spending bill, marking the first such event since December 2018.
- Trump criticized Democrats, particularly Chuck Schumer, for the shutdown and vowed not to let them hold military pay 'hostage'.
- The directive includes using available funds to pay troops, ensuring they receive their paychecks despite the funding lapse.
- The government shutdown has affected federal workers, with active-duty troops at risk of missing their paychecks on October 15.
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Analysis
Center-leaning sources collectively frame this story by highlighting President Trump's directive to pay military personnel during the shutdown. They vary in their contextualization; some sources broaden the narrative to include controversial federal worker layoffs and political blame, interpreting the administration's motives. Others narrow the focus to Trump's specific action for troops, thereby downplaying the wider negative impacts of the shutdown.
"Finding a way to pay for military salaries could help reduce some of the political risk for congressional leaders if the shutdown drags on."
BBC News"President Trump said he has "identified funds" to ensure the active military gets paid next week, as Congress stalls over negotiations to reopen the federal government."
NPR"The nation’s third shutdown in 12 years has again raised anxiety levels among service members and their families as those in uniform are working without pay."
Fortune"Despite the ongoing federal government shutdown, President Trump has directed the Defense Department to ensure military members are paid on October 15th."
NBC NewsArticles (13)
Center (4)
FAQ
The government shutdown began because Congress failed to pass a spending bill to fund government operations.
President Trump directed the Pentagon to use available funds to secure military pay so that active-duty troops receive their paychecks despite the shutdown.
President Trump criticized Democrats, particularly Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, accusing them of causing the shutdown and attempting to hold military pay 'hostage' as leverage.
The shutdown has caused many federal workers to be furloughed or work without pay, leading to financial uncertainty for thousands of employees across government agencies.
Active-duty military personnel risk missing their paycheck on October 15 if a resolution to the shutdown is not reached by then.
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