At the celebration of the U.S. Navy's 250th anniversary, President Donald Trump took the opportunity to reassure military personnel affected by the ongoing government shutdown. According to Fox News, Trump promised that service members would receive "every last penny" of their pay once the funding deadlock is resolved, and pledged an "across-the-board" pay raise to follow.
Trump emphasized that despite the shutdown, which he attributed to Democratic lawmakers, troops will not be left without compensation. "Don't worry about it, it's all coming," he said.
Currently, active-duty military personnel continue their duties, but their paychecks are on hold until the government reopens funding. Civilian employees deemed non-essential, including many who assist with base operations and logistics, have been furloughed. Additionally, support services for military families, such as child care and commissaries, have been reduced at some military installations, causing extra financial burdens on families.
In a speech delivered on September 30 at Marine Corps Base Quantico, Trump highlighted his support for a 3.8% pay raise for all service members, contrasting it with what he described as a lack of raises under the previous administration.
The government shutdown began early Wednesday morning, freezing pay for military personnel and hundreds of thousands of federal workers. As the shutdown extends into its fifth day, many military families face financial uncertainty, but Trump reiterated his assurance that back pay and pay raises will be paid once Congress passes a new spending bill.
Prior to attending the Navy's birthday event, Trump accused Democrats on social media of trying to ruin the celebration, declaring, "THE SHOW MUST GO ON!"
This message was aimed at boosting morale among the troops amid the funding impasse and uncertainty caused by the partial government shutdown. Trump’s comments reflect his administration’s stance on supporting military personnel financially despite the political standoff in Washington.