President Trump stated that affluent donors have expressed willingness to cover the costs for U.S. military personnel if funding runs out amid the ongoing government shutdown.
During a meeting with Argentine President Javier Milei at the White House, Trump responded to inquiries from journalists regarding financial provisions for the military. He mentioned telling these donors that his administration “doesn’t need it,” emphasizing they “will take care of our troops.”
“Do you have the funds to pay the troops by October 15th?” a reporter pressed.
“Yes, indeed. A very generous donor reached out to me and said, ‘If you lack the necessary funds to pay the military, I’ll cover it.’ So he will pay for it,” Trump replied.
“I told him, ‘We don’t need it; we’ll take care of the military.’ But this situation has been created by the Democrats,” Trump asserted. “They only need to sign a piece of paper to keep things running. It’s not even up for discussion—as they’ve signed it many times before.”
These remarks came as the White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB) revealed that the Trump administration plans to continue compensating military and law enforcement officers, along with maintaining the government’s force reduction (RIF) program.
“OMB is taking all necessary steps to counter the Democratic Party’s uncompromising stance,” the office declared in a statement. “Pay the military, pay law enforcement, continue RIF, and wait.”
Reports indicated that the Trump administration is determined to keep compensating military and law enforcement personnel, despite suggestions that the current Democratic-led shutdown could extend significantly.
Typically, during a government shutdown, federal employees are furloughed and do not receive pay. However, the Trump administration is looking to issue a RIF that would lift them out of the federal impasse.
Trump has previously promised to ensure U.S. military personnel are compensated, even while the government faces shutdown challenges.
Despite this, reports suggest that a bill needs to be approved by October 13 for military personnel to receive their paychecks on the 15th. Congressional aides indicated that the timeline is tight, given the number of individuals involved.
In past shutdowns, the military has been deployed due to its critical role in national security.
Before the shutdown occurred, Representative Jennifer Quiggans (R-Va.) proposed the Military Pay Act aimed at ensuring military pay continues during any gaps in the fiscal year 2026 budget.
According to the bill’s summary, it would:
- Guarantee fiscal year 2026 continuing appropriations for military pay and benefits, including for reservists on active duty;
- Include civilian employees and contractors of the Department of Defense supporting these military members.
“In the event of a government shutdown, this bill ensures appropriations continue until either certain appropriations legislation is enacted or until January 1, 2027,” the summary specified.
