President Donald Trump has ordered Secretary of War Pete Hegseth to use “all available funds” to ensure U.S. troops are paid on October 15, despite the ongoing government shutdown that threatens paychecks for 1.3 million active-duty service members. The order comes as the shutdown enters its second week, with no resolution in sight and growing concern over the financial toll on military families.

The government shut down on October 1 after lawmakers failed to pass a funding bill. Senate Democrats have repeatedly blocked Republican-led efforts to reopen the government, resulting in what would be the first time in American history that active-duty troops could miss a paycheck. Trump vowed not to let that happen, saying the military should not be punished for partisan gridlock.

“Chuck Schumer recently said, ‘Every day gets better’ during their Radical Left Shutdown. I DISAGREE!” Trump wrote on Truth Social. “If nothing is done… our Brave Troops will miss the paychecks they are rightfully due.” Trump said he directed Secretary Hegseth to use identified funds to pay service members regardless of congressional inaction.

A senior White House official confirmed that the administration is “exploring every legal avenue” to ensure military pay continues. Republicans argue that Democrats are using the shutdown to gain leverage over unrelated policy demands, including an extension of COVID-era tax credits tied to the Affordable Care Act.

Rep. Jenn Kiggans, R-Va., a former Navy helicopter pilot, praised Trump’s move and urged lawmakers to act. Speaker Mike Johnson added that Democrats have voted eight times to block funding for troops, accusing them of putting “Americans last.”