Table of Contents
- Trump’s Bold Promise: ‘Troops Will Get Paid’
- How Will He Do It Without Congressional Approval?
- Legal and Constitutional Concerns Mount
- Historical Context: Past Shutdowns and Military Pay
- Reaction from Capitol Hill and Military Families
- What Happens Next?
- Sources
Trump’s Bold Promise: ‘Troops Will Get Paid’
In a surprise announcement Friday, President Donald Trump declared that U.S. military personnel will continue receiving their paychecks—even if a government shutdown begins this week due to a congressional impasse over defense funding.
“I’ve identified the money,” Trump told reporters at the White House. “Our troops will be paid, no matter what. They protect our country—they shouldn’t suffer because politicians in Washington can’t agree.”
The statement comes as Congress remains deadlocked over the 2026 defense appropriations bill. Without a deal by midnight Sunday, non-essential federal operations will halt, and hundreds of thousands of civilian workers could be furloughed. But military pay, which typically requires active appropriations, would normally be frozen during a shutdown—unless Congress acts.
How Will He Do It Without Congressional Approval?
That’s the million-dollar—or rather, billion-dollar—question.
While the president claims to have “identified funds,” the U.S. Constitution gives Congress the exclusive power of the purse (Article I, Section 9). Historically, military pay during shutdowns has only continued when Congress passed emergency legislation—like the 2013 Pay Our Military Act.
Experts speculate Trump may attempt to redirect existing funds from other defense accounts, such as operations and maintenance or even disaster relief reserves. But such maneuvers would likely violate the Antideficiency Act, which prohibits federal agencies from spending money not appropriated by Congress.
| Shutdown Year | Military Pay Status | How It Was Handled |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | Continued | Congress passed “Pay Our Military Act” |
| 2018–2019 | Delayed, then retroactive | No pay during 35-day shutdown; back pay after resolution |
| 2025 (Projected) | Uncertain | President claims funds “identified”; no congressional action |
Legal and Constitutional Concerns Mount
Constitutional scholars are sounding alarms. “This isn’t just bureaucratic overreach—it’s a potential separation-of-powers crisis,” said Professor Elena Martinez of Georgetown Law. “The executive branch cannot unilaterally decide to spend money Congress hasn’t approved.”
Even some Trump allies in the Pentagon are reportedly uneasy. Internal memos obtained by The Times suggest Defense Department lawyers are reviewing whether any existing authorities—such as emergency war powers or contingency funds—could legally cover payroll. So far, none appear to fit.
Historical Context: Past Shutdowns and Military Pay
During the 35-day shutdown in 2018–2019, service members worked without pay for over a month. Morale plummeted, food banks near bases saw record demand, and military spouses organized GoFundMe campaigns to cover groceries and rent.
The public outcry led to swift passage of back-pay legislation once the shutdown ended—but the trauma lingered. Many families say they’re still recovering financially.
Reaction from Capitol Hill and Military Families
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer called Trump’s claim “reckless theater.”
“You can’t just ‘identify’ money like it’s loose change under a couch cushion,” Schumer said. “This is the U.S. Treasury—not Monopoly.”
Meanwhile, military advocacy groups are cautiously hopeful but skeptical. “We appreciate the sentiment,” said Kayla Williams of the Military Family Advisory Network. “But promises don’t pay mortgages. We need real, legal solutions—not executive improvisation.”
What Happens Next?
If no deal is reached by Sunday, a partial shutdown begins Monday. The Department of Defense will likely issue guidance on which personnel are “excepted” (allowed to work) and whether any pay mechanisms exist.
Legal challenges could follow swiftly if the administration attempts to disburse funds without congressional approval. And with elections looming, the political stakes couldn’t be higher.
