Trump Tells Troops “Every Last Penny” Is Coming as Shutdown Leaves Active Duty Working Without Pay
President Donald Trump told sailors in Norfolk that they will receive owed pay and planned raises after the government shutdown ends, even as active-duty troops nationwide continue working through October 2025 without pay, creating financial strain for many families.
Key takeaways
- Trump assured service members they will get “every last penny” and planned raises once funding is restored, despite an ongoing shutdown (Washington Times, Washington Examiner).
- Active-duty, Guard, Reserve and Coast Guard personnel are continuing to work as excepted employees while paychecks remain frozen through mid-October 2025 (Military Times, LiveNowFox).
- Lawmakers are debating fixes such as the proposed Pay Our Troops Act to guarantee pay during shutdowns; the bill has bipartisan support but is not law (CBS News).
Main story
What the president said in Norfolk
At the Navy’s 250th anniversary event in Norfolk, President Trump blamed Democrats for the shutdown and sought to reassure service members that delayed pay and next year’s across-the-board raises will be honored once funding returns. He said,
“I want you to know that despite the current Democrat-induced shutdown, we will get our service members every last penny. Don’t worry about it.”
Independent outlets reported the remarks and the broader political fight behind the shutdown (Washington Times, Washington Examiner, AOL).
How the shutdown affects service members now
Under current rules, most active-duty service members are classified as excepted employees and must continue to work during a lapse in appropriations. Their pay, however, is processed only when funding is restored or when specific legislation is passed to cover wages during the lapse (Military Times, CBS News).
- Delayed pay and special pay: Paychecks and many special pay types, bonuses and stipends may be delayed until funding returns (Military Times).
- Operational adjustments: Nonessential moves, leave, training and conferences have been postponed or canceled; only assignments tied to excepted operations proceed (Military Times).
- Coast Guard impacts: The Coast Guard faces similar delays even though it often operates without full appropriations authority (LiveNowFox).
Families on bases and in surrounding towns report dipping into savings, using credit or turning to relief organizations to cover essentials while checks are frozen (Military Times).
Legal and legislative picture
By law, service members typically receive back pay after a shutdown ends; the Government Employee Fair Treatment Act of 2019 set a precedent for federal workers. But those protections do not solve the short-term cash flow problem when pay is delayed (CBS News).
Proposed fixes: Representative Jen Kiggans (R-Va.) introduced the so-called Pay Our Troops Act to guarantee pay for service members during funding gaps. The proposal has bipartisan attention but had not cleared the calendar for a vote as the House was out of session, leaving pay frozen until Congress returns (CBS News, Military Times).
Support and short-term relief options
Military relief societies and credit unions are mobilizing to help with interest-free loans, emergency grants and other short-term aid. Commanders and base support services are providing information and referrals, but relief groups warn demand can quickly outstrip funds if a shutdown continues for weeks (Military Times).
Political fight over blame and priorities
The administration framed the dispute as a choice between military funding and certain humanitarian or healthcare provisions for migrants, arguing Democratic policy goals blocked funding. Democrats counter that Republican proposals to alter Medicaid and health subsidies created the impasse. Independent reporting highlights the disconnect between political messaging and immediate hardship for troops and families (Washington Times, CBS News, Military Times).
Historical context
Past shutdowns prompted Congress to act for the military: in 2013, the Pay Our Military Act ensured service members continued to be paid during a lapse. Advocates cite that precedent while urging a permanent fix so national defense does not depend on political standoffs (CBS News).
Reporting from the field
News outlets note troops are reporting for duty across the country despite pay freezes, while local leadership and base commands try to manage readiness and help families find short-term financial assistance (LiveNowFox, Military Times).
Implications for the Inland Empire
Economic impact: The Inland Empire’s large population connected to the military and defense industry — including reservists, Guard members, veterans, military families and civilian contractors — may see ripples as delayed pay reduces spending at grocery stores, childcare centers and small businesses (Military Times).
Workforce and readiness: Guard members ordered to federal duty but not paid risk stress that could affect retention and morale; local contractors may also face slowdowns tied to federal funding (CBS News).
Social effects: Many Inland Empire families live on tight budgets; unpaid troops in October 2025 face immediate pressure to cover rent, utilities and childcare. Nonprofits and faith-based groups may see increased requests for emergency assistance (Military Times).
Civic and political consequences: Local leaders and constituents may press representatives to support measures like the Pay Our Troops Act to protect pay during shutdowns (CBS News).
Practical help and resources for local families
Military relief societies, regional credit unions and community organizations near bases in the Inland Empire are primary responders for financial relief. Families should contact their unit’s family support offices, military relief societies, local credit unions and base public affairs for emergency loans, grants and updates (Military Times).
Next steps for readers in the region
Inland Empire residents with family in uniform should track official updates from the Department of Defense and local installations. Constituents concerned about stalled pay can contact members of Congress to urge passage of measures such as the Pay Our Troops Act to secure timely pay during future funding gaps (CBS News).
