Summary
President Donald Trump has instructed the Defense Department to use all available funds to pay U.S. troops despite a government shutdown. This decision ensures that military personnel receive their pay, but does not help furloughed federal workers. The government shutdown has lasted 11 days and continues.
Key Facts
- President Trump has ordered the Pentagon to use available money to pay U.S. troops during the shutdown.
- The payment directive applies only to military personnel, not to other federal workers.
- The government shutdown is currently in its 11th day.
- Many federal workers are furloughed and some are being laid off.
- President Trump used his authority as commander in chief to direct this action.
- The shutdown began on October 1st, coinciding with the start of the federal budget cycle.
- There are about 1.3 million active-duty U.S. service members.
- Troops were at risk of not receiving their paychecks on October 15th without this intervention.
