Trump says Pentagon has ‘identified funds’ to pay military during shutdown: NPR

In an article on Truth Social, President Trump said he has “identified funds” to ensure active military members are paid next week as Congress stalls in negotiations to reopen the federal government.

“I am using my authority, as Commander in Chief, to direct our Secretary of War, Pete Hegseth, to use all available funds to have our troops PAYED on October 15. We have identified funds to do this, and Secretary Hegseth will use them to PAY OUR TROOPS,” Trump said.

Active duty troops were at risk of missing their first full paycheck on Wednesday, October 15.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth reposted Trump’s social media post on X, saying, “President Trump keeps his promises for the troops.”

A White House official, not authorized to speak publicly, said the Defense Department would be able to use research and development funds to pay the military. These funds are available for two years, the official said, but he did not provide further details on the amount set aside.

President Trump previously said he would ensure active military members were paid despite the shutdown.

“We will get every last cent out of our military,” Trump said at a Navy event in Norfolk, Virginia, last weekend. “Don’t worry about that.”