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U.S. President Donald Trump walks toward the Oval Office at the White House in Washington, D.C., on October 10, 2025, as the federal government shutdown enters its 10th day. / Source: Xinhua News Agency

U.S. President Donald Trump said his administration would tap unused research and development (R&D) funds to pay military personnel if the federal government shutdown continues, as the budget standoff with Democrats shows no sign of easing.

On his social media platform Truth Social, Trump wrote Saturday, “I am using my authority, as Commander in Chief, to direct our Secretary of War, Pete Hegseth, to use all available funds to get our Troops PAID on October 15th.”

While Trump did not specify how much funding would be diverted, a Pentagon official told Reuters that if the shutdown lasts beyond October 15, the administration plans to reallocate about $8 billion from the Research, Development, Test and Evaluation (RDT&E) budget to cover military salaries.

The move comes as the shutdown entered its 11th day, triggered by a budget impasse between Republicans and Democrats over health care subsidies under the Affordable Care Act, commonly known as Obamacare.

Republicans control both chambers of Congress, but Senate rules require 60 votes to pass a spending bill, meaning at least seven Democrats must back it. Democrats have insisted on maintaining and expanding Obamacare subsidies as a condition for supporting the funding measure.

“The Democrats are holding our Military and the entire National Security hostage to their dangerous shutdown,” Trump said, vowing not to “surrender to their demands.” Still, he added, “Once the government is reopened, I am ready to discuss healthcare policy with the Democrats.”

As the impasse deepens, the Trump administration has begun issuing layoff notices to thousands of federal workers. With nonessential staff furloughed, several departments are facing near-paralysis in day-to-day operations.

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries said Democrats would convene all members in Washington on October 13 to discuss strategies to respond to “the Republican shutdown and its growing healthcare crisis.”

However, House Speaker Mike Johnson said the chamber “will not reconvene until the shutdown ends,” leaving prospects for renewed negotiations uncertain.