Trump to Sailors on Shutdown Pay: 'Do Not Worry About It'

President Reassures Navy Amid Pay Delays

President Donald Trump addressed U.S. Navy sailors on Sunday, telling them not to “worry about” their delayed paychecks amid the ongoing government shutdown. Speaking at a celebration marking the Navy’s 250th anniversary, Trump promised full compensation once the shutdown ends. PD-US / Wikimedia

Trump Speaks to Service Members During Shutdown Uncertainty

“As your commander in chief, I will always stand for you. I promise you that,” Trump said. “Despite the current Democrat-induced shutdown, we will get our service members every last penny.”
He repeated, “Don’t worry about it. Don’t worry about it. Don’t worry about it. Do not worry about it, it’s all coming.” PD-US / Wikimedia

Shutdown Stems from Congressional Stalemate

The federal government officially entered a shutdown on Wednesday after lawmakers failed to pass a stopgap spending bill. The lapse in funding has left hundreds of thousands of federal employees — including active-duty military personnel — either furloughed or working without pay until the impasse is resolved. All affected workers will receive back pay once the shutdown concludes. Kaboompics.com / Pexels

Administration Blames Democrats

Multiple federal agencies have echoed Trump’s characterization of the situation, placing responsibility on congressional Democrats. A statement on the Department of Health and Human Services website reads that “mission-critical activities of HHS will continue during the Democrat-led government shutdown.” PD-US / Wikimedia

House Republicans Defend Their Role

House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) defended his caucus’s actions, saying the House had already passed a “clean” and “nonpartisan” continuing resolution to keep the government funded through late November. Jack Gruber / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Johnson Blames Senate for Inaction After House Passes Funding Bill

“The House did its job,” Johnson said on CBS’s "Face the Nation." “We passed a bipartisan, very clean continuing resolution a couple of weeks back now, and sent it to the Senate.”
Johnson criticized the Senate for inaction, noting that both chambers’ funding proposals failed twice last week. Henrietta Wildsmith/The Times / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Next Steps in Congress

The Senate is scheduled to reconvene Monday to vote again on two competing spending measures aimed at reopening the government. With no clear consensus, federal operations — including military pay — remain in limbo as the shutdown enters its first full week. Darren Halstead / Unsplash