Payam Javan: President Donald Trump has exercised his authority as Commander in Chief to direct Secretary of War Pete Hegseth to find and use available federal funds to ensure US military service members are paid on October 15th, despite the ongoing government shutdown. Trump emphasized he would not allow Democrats to use the budget deadlock as leverage to jeopardize the livelihoods and national security of American troops.

As the shutdown enters its third week, more than 250,000 federal employees have already missed paychecks, with almost 2 million facing unpaid status next week. Unlike their civilian counterparts, US military personnel are not automatically entitled to backpay under the current law, making this intervention a crucial and controversial move in Washington’s ongoing budget standoff.

Republican leaders argue these emergency measures are essential to protect fundamental benefits and military operations from being undermined by partisan tactics. Trump meanwhile reiterated his willingness to negotiate on broader legislative issues — but only after federal functions are restored and the needs of the nation’s security are prioritized over political disputes.

With mounting pressure on both parties, Trump’s move has focused national attention on the stakes for military families and the broader implications of the shutdown, with ongoing questions about government stability, healthcare, and the future direction of American policy.