Trump tells troops “every last penny coming” as government shutdown freezes military pay
President Trump told U.S. service members at a Navy ceremony that they will get “every last penny” and promised pay raises, even as the government shutdown freezes active-duty paychecks and forces troops to keep reporting for duty without immediate pay.
Key takeaways
- President Trump reassured troops he will deliver “every last penny” and promised pay raises despite the shutdown, according to Washington Times, Washington Examiner and AOL.
- Active-duty pay is delayed but federal law generally requires back pay once funding resumes (Stars and Stripes; CBS News).
- Retirees and annuitants continue to be paid because those benefits are funded differently (Military Times).
TRUMP’S ASSURANCES TO TROOPS
At a ceremony marking the U.S. Navy’s 250th anniversary, President Trump sought to calm service members worried about the shutdown’s effects. He promised pay raises and said troops would receive “every last penny”, adding that “it’s all coming” despite the funding impasse. Those comments were reported by the Washington Times, the Washington Examiner and other outlets such as AOL.
Trump blamed Democratic opposition for the shutdown and emphasized his commitment to boosting military pay. While his remarks are political promises meant to reassure troops and families, they do not change the immediate reality that paychecks have been delayed while lawmakers work toward a funding solution.
HOW THE SHUTDOWN AFFECTS MILITARY PAY
Under current rules, active-duty service members must continue their duties during a lapse in appropriations. They remain on the job even if pay is delayed. Federal law and precedent require back pay to be issued once Congress funds operations and the shutdown ends. The Government Employee Fair Treatment Act of 2019 generally means military personnel will be paid retroactively, but that still leaves weeks without regular pay for many service members (Stars and Stripes; CBS News).
Military paychecks are scheduled to stop as of Oct. 15 unless Congress passes a funding deal or a specific bill that guarantees pay during the shutdown (Military Times). Specialty pays — hazardous duty pay, enlistment bonuses, or other stipends — may also be delayed while the Department of Defense reviews exemptions based on national security needs.
WHO IS AND IS NOT AFFECTED
Not all military-related pay is frozen. Retirees and annuitants typically continue to receive benefits because those payments are funded from separate accounts or mandatory spending streams (Military Times). By contrast, active-duty service members and certain National Guard units activated for federal duty are at risk of delayed pay while the shutdown remains in effect (Stars and Stripes).
LEGISLATION AND LAWMAKERS’ RESPONSE
A bipartisan bill called the “Pay Our Troops Act of 2026” has been proposed to ensure military pay and benefits continue during shutdowns. Supporters say it would remove the hardship of delayed pay for service members. However, the measure faces political hurdles and was unlikely to pass in time to help those affected by the current shutdown because Congress was not in session until after Oct. 7 (CBS News; Military Times).
The legal fallback remains the 2019 fair treatment law that grants back pay after funding resumes, but that does not alleviate immediate hardships for families juggling rent, bills and child care while pay is delayed.
BROADER DOD OPERATIONS AND CIVILIAN WORKFORCE
The shutdown extends beyond pay. Nearly half of Department of Defense civilian employees are furloughed, while some civilians deemed essential continue to work without immediate pay (Stars and Stripes; Military Times).
Military clinics and hospitals remain open, but administrative functions and web services may be limited. Nonessential moves, training, travel and routine maintenance can be paused until funding resumes. The DOD has prioritized critical missions — combat operations, munitions support, and border security — as “excepted” and continued, while other programs face suspension or delay.
SUPPORT NETWORKS, CREDIT RELIEF AND FINANCIAL AID
In past shutdowns, military banks, credit unions and relief societies stepped in to offer short-term help. Organizations such as military relief funds often provide interest-free loans, emergency grants and financial counseling. Commanders and base support offices typically share resources and guidance on applying for assistance (Military Times).
IMPLICATIONS FOR FRESNO, CALIFORNIA
Local military families: Fresno is home to many active-duty service members, veterans and military families. Delayed pay can strain household budgets in Fresno County, affecting mortgages, rent, utilities, child care and transportation.
Fresno-area recruiting and reserves: The Fresno recruiting station and local National Guard units could see morale and retention pressures if pay delays persist. Guard members activated for federal duty from the region may be affected the same as active-duty troops (Stars and Stripes; Military Times).
Local economy and businesses: Military families’ reduced cash flow in Millerton, Clovis, Fresno and surrounding towns could lower spending at small businesses, hotels, moving companies and contractors that rely on military-related activity.
Medical and support services: Military medical clinics remain open, but administrative slowdowns and furloughs of DOD civilians could create delays in appointments or processing of claims for local families (Stars and Stripes).
Community response and relief options: Fresno-area credit unions and nonprofits that serve military families may need to ramp up emergency assistance. Local groups can partner with military relief societies and expect briefings from base commanders or military liaisons on available aid (Military Times).
REPORTING AND SOURCES
This report draws on coverage from multiple outlets documenting President Trump’s remarks and the shutdown’s impact on military personnel:
FOR FRESNO RESIDENTS SEEKING ASSISTANCE
Fresno residents should contact local military support offices, the Fresno County Veteran Services Office, or base family readiness centers for help. Commanders typically update families as funding developments occur and as any special pay or relief measures are put into place.
“Service members are required to continue reporting for duty; pay will be issued retroactively once funding resumes, but many families face immediate financial strain,” military and news outlets note.
