White House Uses $6.3B Pentagon Funds to Pay Troops Amid Shutdown

Amid the ongoing government shutdown, the Trump administration has secured approximately $5.3 billion from multiple Defense Department accounts to ensure military members receive their paychecks. Funds are being drawn from the military housing fund under the One Big Beautiful Bill, the Pentagon’s research and development account, and its procurement account, originally intended for Navy vessel construction. This strategy aims to cover military salaries for the first half of October, with the total cost estimated at around $6.5 billion. Despite this, concerns remain about future payments if the shutdown continues, as highlighted by Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent. The administration emphasizes its commitment to supporting troops, criticizing Democrats for the shutdown while Senate Democrats’ proposed Armed Forces Pay Act to guarantee uninterrupted pay was blocked by Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell. Unions representing federal workers are urging Congress to reopen the government, warning of broader impacts, including SNAP benefit disruptions for millions of Americans.