Published: October 12, 2025, 22:45 EDT

President Donald Trump has ordered the U.S. Defense Department to use emergency funds to pay active-duty military personnel as the government shutdown extends into its third week. The move protects troops’ salaries but leaves hundreds of thousands of civilian federal workers still furloughed or working without pay.

Troop Pay Protected as Shutdown Deepens

Trump announced on Saturday that he directed the Pentagon to use “all available funds” to ensure military paychecks are issued on time this Wednesday, despite the ongoing funding lapse. The directive, announced on social media, came as public frustration grows over the 11-day shutdown that began on October 1 — the first day of the federal fiscal year.

“Our brave troops will miss the paychecks they are rightfully due on October 15th,” Trump wrote, emphasizing his intent to protect military families. The White House said the order removes one of the most politically sensitive pressure points that might have forced Congress to reach a funding deal.

While the move guarantees financial security for 1.3 million active-duty service members, it offers no similar protection for hundreds of thousands of civilian federal employees. Many of them are now furloughed or working without pay, with layoffs beginning Friday, according to the Office of Management and Budget.

Political Impasse Extends Government Shutdown

The current standoff marks the nation’s third government shutdown in 12 years. Negotiations between the White House and Congress have stalled over Democrats’ demands that any short-term funding bill include an extension of Affordable Care Act health insurance subsidies. Those subsidies, which expired at the end of September, affect millions of Americans facing higher monthly premiums.

Republican lawmakers, aligned with Trump, insist the government must reopen before broader negotiations resume. “We’re ready to talk, but first, we must fund the government,” said a senior Republican aide familiar with the discussions.

Democrats countered that Republicans are prioritizing political leverage over working families. “Extending health subsidies is a matter of basic stability,” said one Democratic lawmaker, calling for bipartisan talks to resume immediately.

Pentagon to Use Research Funds for Temporary Payments

According to a spokesperson for the White House Office of Management and Budget, the Pentagon will reallocate roughly $8 billion in unobligated research, development, testing, and evaluation (RDT&E) funds from the previous fiscal year to cover mid-month military paychecks.

The Pentagon confirmed that the funds were identified to ensure uninterrupted pay “in the event the funding lapse continues past October 15.” Officials described the move as temporary and legally permissible under emergency authorities available to the executive branch during federal funding lapses.

It remains unclear whether the directive also applies to the U.S. Coast Guard, which operates under the Department of Homeland Security during peacetime rather than the Defense Department. In previous shutdowns, the Coast Guard’s pay was delayed until Congress passed specific legislation to cover it.

Impact on Federal Workers and Military Families

While service members will be paid on schedule, most federal workers will not see paychecks until Congress passes a funding bill. Historically, back pay has been approved retroactively once government operations resume — a policy codified during Trump’s first term.

However, the president recently suggested he may oppose automatic back pay in future shutdowns, calling it “an incentive for inaction.” That statement has drawn criticism from federal employee unions, which accuse the administration of using workers as bargaining tools.

For military families, Trump’s directive provides some immediate relief. Many service members live paycheck to paycheck, and missed payments could disrupt rent, bills, and essential expenses. “It’s a relief, but also frustrating to see others left behind,” said one Army spouse in Virginia, whose husband is deployed overseas.

Congress Silent on Troop Pay Legislation

In prior shutdowns, Congress often passed bipartisan bills guaranteeing continued pay for military personnel. This time, similar proposals have stalled in committee, overshadowed by disputes over healthcare and budget priorities.

Asked earlier this week if he would support a bill ensuring military pay during the impasse, Trump replied, “That probably will happen. We’ll take care of it. Our military is always going to be taken care of.”

Despite the assurance, no legislation has been advanced to formalize the temporary fix. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, appointed earlier this year, said he would follow the president’s directive “to ensure that no active-duty member or their family suffers financially due to congressional inaction.”

Economic and Political Fallout

The shutdown has already disrupted key federal services and created uncertainty across multiple sectors. National parks and museums have closed, new loan processing at the Small Business Administration has halted, and delays are mounting in tax and immigration services.

Economists warn that if the shutdown continues into a fourth week, it could begin to affect quarterly GDP growth. “The immediate hit is minor, but the longer the shutdown lasts, the greater the economic drag,” said analysts at Moody’s Analytics.

Politically, the move to fund troops but not civilian workers could further polarize debate in Washington. Supporters of the directive view it as a necessary step to protect national security, while critics call it a political maneuver designed to shift blame away from the White House.

Uncertain Path Forward

As both sides remain entrenched, there are few signs of an imminent breakthrough. Lawmakers have yet to agree on even a temporary continuing resolution to restore federal funding.

For now, the Pentagon’s redirection of research funds offers only a brief reprieve. Without new legislation, the government’s operations will continue to be limited, and federal employees — apart from active-duty troops — will remain unpaid.

“This is a stopgap, not a solution,” said a senior defense official. “The real fix must come from Congress.”

Source: AP News – Trump directs the Pentagon to use ‘all available funds’ to ensure troops are paid despite shutdown

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The White House is quietly exploring the possibility of replacing Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, according to a U.S. official familiar with the matter. The move follows growing concerns over Hegseth’s alleged mishandling of classified military information.

Hegseth, a former Fox News host turned Pentagon chief, is under scrutiny for reportedly sharing classified operational details in a private Signal group chat with his wife, brother, and lawyer. According to the official, the messages included minute-by-minute information about U.S. airstrikes targeting Houthi positions in Yemen — data that should never have left secure channels.

In a separate incident that same month, Hegseth allegedly shared similar sensitive information in another Signal chat with senior White House officials. That group, accidentally including a journalist, further raised alarm. The details of upcoming airstrikes were leaked just hours before they occurred — a lapse that experts say could have endangered American pilots if intercepted by adversaries. The Houthis have already downed two U.S. drones in recent months, escalating fears of compromised security.

Despite the controversy, the Trump administration is publicly standing behind Hegseth. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt denied any effort to remove him, writing on X (formerly Twitter) that President Trump “stands strongly” by his defense secretary.

When pressed by reporters, Trump brushed off the allegations as overblown.

“He’s doing a great job — ask the Houthis how he’s doing,” the president said.

At a White House Easter event earlier this week, Hegseth dismissed the accusations, blaming disgruntled former staff for the leaks.

“This is what the media does — they use anonymous sources from former employees trying to burn reputations. It won’t work on me,” he said.

His remarks come after a wave of resignations and dismissals inside the Pentagon. Four top advisers exited abruptly last week, including former Defense Department spokesperson John Ullyot, who later described the internal environment as a “full-blown meltdown.”

Three other advisers — Dan Caldwell, Colin Carroll, and Darin Selnick — were escorted out of the building and accused of leaking information to the press. In a joint statement posted to X, they pushed back hard, saying they were never told what they were accused of leaking.

“All three of us served honorably — two of us deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan. We understand the importance of information security and worked daily to protect it,” they wrote.

Caldwell and Selnick, both longtime allies of Hegseth, previously worked with him at the conservative veterans’ advocacy group Concerned Veterans for America.

Senator Jeanne Shaheen, a Democrat on the Armed Services Committee, said the issue reflects deeper problems — not just with Hegseth’s actions, but with Trump’s decision to appoint him in the first place.

“Ultimate responsibility lies with President Trump for appointing a former weekend TV host with no proven experience to lead the largest department in the U.S. government,” she said.

As internal tensions mount and questions swirl around national security breaches, the future of Pete Hegseth’s role at the Pentagon remains uncertain. While the White House continues to publicly defend him, behind closed doors, the search for a successor may already be underway.

Source: NPR – Exclusive: The White House is looking to replace Pete Hegseth as defense secretary

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Pete Hegseth, President-elect Donald Trump’s pick for Secretary of Defense, faced intense scrutiny during his confirmation hearing on Tuesday. His positions on military service members accused and convicted of war crimes, his personal allegations, and his qualifications for the position were central points of debate.

Defense of Troops Accused of War Crimes

Hegseth strongly defended his support for service members accused and convicted of war crimes, including Army Maj. Mathew Golsteyn, 1st Lt. Clint Lorance, and Navy SEAL Eddie Gallagher. Hegseth claimed that these cases involved prosecutorial misconduct and evidence being withheld, making it harder for soldiers to combat their enemies under restrictive rules of engagement.

He emphasized his belief in putting “war fighters” first, stating, “I’m not talking about disavowing the laws of war, or the Geneva Conventions… I’m talking about restrictive rules of engagement that made it more difficult to defeat our enemies.” Hegseth also noted his pride in working with President Trump to pardon some of these service members.

This stance has generated significant controversy. Prior to the pardons, Golsteyn was charged with the murder of an Afghan civilian, Lorance was convicted of second-degree murder for ordering troops to fire on three men on a motorcycle, and Gallagher was acquitted of most charges but convicted of posing for a photo with a dead ISIS fighter.

Allegations of Sexual Assault and Mismanagement

Hegseth also addressed personal allegations of sexual assault and financial mismanagement. He denied the claims, calling them part of a “smear campaign” orchestrated by the left-wing media. One allegation involves a woman accusing him of sexual assault in 2017, a claim he categorically denied, claiming their encounter was consensual.

In his response, Hegseth acknowledged he was “not a perfect person” but attributed his redemption to faith and the support of his wife. He also stated, “What I will do is stand up for the truth and for my reputation.”

Controversy Over FBI Report and Background Investigation

Another point of contention was the FBI background investigation on Hegseth. Sen. Jack Reed, the ranking Democrat on the Senate Armed Services Committee, questioned the thoroughness of the FBI’s investigation, noting that Hegseth’s two ex-wives and the woman who accused him of sexual assault had not been interviewed. Reed also called for the full committee to review the FBI report, which currently only the chair and ranking member have seen.

Democratic senators, including Sen. Mark Kelly, have expressed concerns about Hegseth’s qualifications and the lack of access to the full background report. Sen. Kelly stressed the importance of ensuring all committee members are aware of the details.

Focus on Warfighting and Pentagon Reform

Throughout the hearing, Hegseth emphasized his desire to refocus the Pentagon on warfighting and lethality, highlighting his military background in Iraq and Afghanistan. He explained that Trump had chosen him to bring a “warrior ethos” to the department, criticizing past defense secretaries who, despite impressive credentials, had not delivered the necessary results.

Hegseth stated, “My job is to bring the warrior culture back to the Department of Defense. We need a Pentagon focused on warfighting, lethality, meritocracy, standards, and readiness.”

Protests and Disruptions at the Hearing

The confirmation hearing was briefly interrupted by protesters who called Hegseth a “misogynist” and voiced opposition to his policies. Capitol Police quickly escorted the protesters out, and Senate Armed Services Committee Chairman Roger Wicker made clear that such disruptions would not be tolerated.

Wicker’s Defense and Reed’s Opposition

Chairman Wicker defended Hegseth, calling him an “excellent choice” for defense secretary, citing the need for fresh ideas and energy to tackle global security challenges. He dismissed the allegations against Hegseth as largely based on anonymous sources.

However, Sen. Reed, the ranking Democrat, strongly disagreed, stating that Hegseth lacked the qualifications to handle the immense demands of the defense secretary position, especially in a time of global tension and conflict.

Final Thoughts on the Confirmation Process

As the hearing continues, the Senate Armed Services Committee will deliberate on Hegseth’s confirmation. The final outcome will depend on how senators view both his qualifications and the validity of the allegations against him.

Despite the controversies surrounding him, Hegseth has vowed to stand by his record and beliefs, pledging to bring the Pentagon back to a focus on military readiness and combat effectiveness.

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WASHINGTON, Dec. 6 (Reuters) – U.S. President-elect Donald Trump reaffirmed his support for Pete Hegseth, his nominee for Secretary of Defense, even as the nomination faces challenges due to allegations of misconduct. Trump praised Hegseth, a former Fox News host, for his “charisma” and described him as a “WINNER” with a “tremendous track record.”

Hegseth, a 44-year-old Army National Guard veteran, has been actively campaigning for the position, meeting with U.S. senators this week. Some key lawmakers, however, have expressed hesitation about supporting his nomination.

“Pete Hegseth is doing very well. His support is strong and deep,” Trump wrote on his social media platform. “He will be a fantastic, high-energy Secretary of Defense, one who leads with charisma and skill. Pete is a WINNER, and nothing can change that!!!”

In an interview on NBC’s Meet the Press, Trump acknowledged concerns surrounding Hegseth’s nomination but expressed confidence that it would ultimately be confirmed by the Senate. “He’s a young guy with a tremendous track record. Actually went to Princeton and Harvard. He was a good student at both. But he loves the military, and I think people are starting to see it,” Trump told NBC’s Kristen Welker in an excerpt of the interview, which will air in full on Sunday.

Trump also mentioned receiving calls from many senators praising Hegseth, although he admitted that he had not received formal assurances regarding his confirmation.

With Republicans set to control the Senate next month ahead of Trump’s January 20 inauguration, Hegseth can only afford to lose support from three Republican senators if Democrats oppose his nomination.

Trump has considered alternative Republican candidates for the Defense Secretary position, including Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, Senator Joni Ernst, and Representative Mike Waltz, according to sources.

Ernst, a senior member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, said on Thursday that she was not yet ready to support Hegseth. However, she planned to meet with him next week and emphasized that he should be given the opportunity to present his vision for the military at a fair hearing. She expressed this view on X, formerly known as Twitter.

Hegseth, who has served in Afghanistan, Iraq, and Guantanamo Bay, has earned two Bronze Stars. However, critics argue that he lacks the managerial experience needed to lead the 1.3 million active-duty service members and nearly 1 million civilian employees in the U.S. military.

In 2017, a California police report showed that a woman filed a sexual assault complaint against Hegseth. While Hegseth was never charged and denies the allegations, his lawyer has indicated they may pursue legal action against the accuser if Hegseth is not confirmed. Additionally, Hegseth has faced allegations of alcohol abuse. He has denied these claims, stating during a Sirius XM interview that he has “never had a drinking problem,” but promised to refrain from alcohol if confirmed as Defense Secretary.

When asked about these concerns during the NBC interview, Trump, who does not drink, expressed confidence, saying others had assured him that Hegseth does not have a drinking problem.

Ernst, a combat veteran and sexual assault survivor, emphasized the need for a thorough vetting process. She noted that senators wanted to ensure any allegations against Hegseth had been fully addressed. Other Republicans have given cautious support to the nominee.

Hegseth is not the only Trump nominee to face challenges—former Representative Matt Gaetz withdrew his nomination for U.S. Attorney General, and Florida Sheriff Chad Chronister ended his bid for head of the Drug Enforcement Administration.

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