Trump Uses Unspent R&D Funds to Pay Military Salaries

The Trump administration announced on Saturday that it would use unused research and development funds to pay troops during the ongoing federal government shutdown. President Donald Trump, via a post on Truth Social, stated he was exercising his authority as Commander in Chief, directing Secretary of War Pete Hegseth to utilize all available funds to ensure military pay on October 15. However, Trump did not specify the sources of these funds or the total amount allocated for this purpose. The White House did not comment further. A Pentagon official revealed that approximately $8 billion, originally designated for research, development, testing, and evaluation, would be redirected to pay military personnel if the shutdown persisted past October 15.

This announcement comes on the 11th day of a government shutdown caused by a deadlock between Democrats and Republicans in Congress. Although Republicans control both the House and Senate, they require at least seven Democratic senators’ support to pass a spending bill, as the Senate needs 60 votes. Democrats are leveraging this position to push for expanded healthcare subsidies under the Affordable Care Act, refusing to support funding bills that do not address these issues.

Trump expressed his stance on Truth Social, asserting he would prevent Democrats from holding the military and national security hostage through the shutdown. He also indicated willingness to negotiate on healthcare issues if the government were reopened. Meanwhile, the situation remains unresolved, and the administration has begun laying off thousands of federal workers as a consequence.

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On Saturday, Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries called for a meeting on Tuesday evening to discuss a way forward amid the shutdown and healthcare crisis, despite House Speaker Mike Johnson’s refusal to schedule any legislative sessions until the shutdown concludes. The standoff highlights the deep political divisions obstructing government funding and essential services as the shutdown extends into its second week.