President Donald Trump on Wednesday signed a directive ordering the Department of Defense to continue paying U.S. troops during the current government shutdown, bypassing Congress after weeks of stalled funding negotiations. The White House issued National Security Presidential Memorandum-8 (NSPM-8), directing the Pentagon to use funds from fiscal year 2026 to cover military pay and allowances. The memo emphasizes the necessity of maintaining ‘military readiness’ as the budget dispute drags on, with the president citing his Article II powers as commander-in-chief to justify the move.
The order, which covers active-duty troops and reservists on service orders, instructs officials to use only funds that are legally tied to military pay, in coordination with the Office of Management and Budget (OMB). This marks a break from past administrations, which often waited for bipartisan deals instead of intervening directly. More than one million service members were expected to miss paychecks starting this week if Congress didn’t act, but Trump’s directive ensures continued payment.
Rep. Nick LaLota, R-N.Y., welcomed the move as a relief for the military community but expressed concerns about the potential for a crisis at the end of the month when service members face other financial obligations. He criticized Democrats for using troop pay as political leverage and reiterated the importance of Trump’s intervention in safeguarding troops from the shutdown’s impact.
Critics, however, warn that the directive could face legal challenges under the Antideficiency Act, which prohibits spending money not appropriated by Congress. White House officials argue that the law permits spending that has a ‘reasonable, logical relationship’ to the purpose of the original funds, particularly in cases of national security. The Pentagon has not yet specified which accounts will be used, with reports indicating that approximately $8 billion in unobligated defense funds are under consideration.
Meanwhile, the White House’s decision has raised questions about the long-term implications of such actions on future government shutdowns. The directive follows Trump’s previous order on October 11 to maintain troop payments, and its potential impact on political dynamics and fiscal policy is being closely monitored. As the situation develops, the administration continues to navigate the complex interplay between executive authority, legislative oversight, and the practical needs of the armed forces.
Fox News has reached out to the White House, OMB, and Department of Defense for further comment, but none have responded to the inquiry. The story highlights the ongoing tension between political gridlock and the operational needs of the U.S. military, underscoring the challenges of balancing fiscal responsibility with national security priorities.