Trump tells troops “every last penny” coming as government shutdown freezes active-duty pay
WASHINGTON (High Desert News Online) – At a 250th Navy event in Norfolk, President Trump pledged that “every last penny” — including promised pay raises — will be paid to active-duty and National Guard members despite a government shutdown that has frozen their immediate pay.
Key takeaways
- Trump pledged pay and raises: He told service members in Norfolk they will receive “every last penny” including planned pay raises, per reporting by The Washington Times, Washington Examiner and AOL.
- Paychecks are delayed: Active-duty and many National Guard members must keep serving but will not be paid until appropriations are resolved and payrolls processed, with back pay required by the Government Employee Fair Treatment Act of 2019, per CBS News and Military Times.
- Legislative efforts underway: Bipartisan drafts like the Pay Our Troops Act of 2026 aim to prevent future pay interruptions, but would not retroactively restore the current lapse unless enacted promptly (CBS News; Military Times).
Trump’s remarks and the political backdrop
At a 250th-anniversary event for the U.S. Navy in Norfolk, President Trump sought to calm service members and families by promising they would receive “every last penny” and that planned military pay raises would not be lost amid the funding fight. Reporting on the speech appeared in The Washington Times, the Washington Examiner and AOL.
“Every last penny,” the president said, assuring troops that promised raises and withheld pay would be made whole once funding is restored.
The White House placed blame on Democratic objections to parts of the spending package — including extensions of certain health subsidies — which it said prevented a full funding agreement. Those political claims were echoed across multiple outlets covering the speech (The Washington Times; Washington Examiner).
What the shutdown means for pay and work
Federal law requires many service members to remain on duty during a lapse in appropriations. Active-duty troops and many National Guard personnel continue to serve, but regular paychecks tied to annual appropriations are delayed until Congress passes funding and payroll systems can process retroactive payments under the Government Employee Fair Treatment Act of 2019 (CBS News; Military Times).
That statutory backstop reduces long-term loss risk but does not prevent immediate cash-flow problems for households that depend on timely deposits to meet mortgages, rent, child care and other obligations. Many families are turning to emergency grants, short-term loans and military aid societies to bridge gaps (Military Times).
Operational priorities, furloughs and benefits
Defense leaders have identified excepted functions that continue during the lapse — border security, forward-deployed units and combat-related missions remain priorities and the civilians supporting them are generally considered excepted. Non-essential civilian Defense Department employees have been furloughed until funding resumes (CBS News; Military Times).
Military retirees and annuitants continue to receive pay from entitlement accounts funded differently than annual appropriations, though some specialty pays, reimbursements and administrative benefits tied to operating appropriations could be delayed (Military Times).
Lawmakers press “Pay Our Troops” measures
Bipartisan lawmakers have pushed drafts like the Pay Our Troops Act of 2026 to guarantee pay and allowances during future lapses, but the measure has not passed and would not retroactively restore pay for the current delay unless enacted before appropriations are completed (CBS News; Military Times).
How service members and families are coping
Military families are relying on a mix of resources: emergency grants from the Army Emergency Relief, Navy‑Marine Corps Relief Society and Air Force Aid Society; short-term loans and overdraft protection from military-friendly credit unions; and financial counseling offered on bases to manage delays (Military Times).
- Emergency aid: Base relief societies offering grants and short-term loans.
- Credit unions: Bridge loans and deferments for members in need.
- Community support: Local charities and food banks stepping in where needed.
Implications for The High Desert, California
The High Desert region — including Victorville, Apple Valley and Lancaster — has substantial ties to the military, defense contractors and civilian defense workers. Delayed paychecks ripple through local economies, affecting mortgages, rent and small businesses that serve military households (Military Times).
Political and social consequences: For moderate conservative voters in the High Desert, the shutdown raises questions about fiscal planning and political costs. Promises like the president’s Norfolk assurances will be weighed against the lived reality of delayed pay and the need for clear plans to prevent repeats (The Washington Times; Washington Examiner).
Local officials and community organizations are encouraged to coordinate with base support agencies, credit unions and relief societies to provide practical assistance and public information while pay is delayed (Military Times).
Transparency and timelines
Restoration of pay depends on lawmakers resolving appropriations. If Congress passes a continuing resolution or full appropriations, Defense payroll systems will process retroactive payments — but administrative verification can add days before funds appear in bank accounts. That gap separates political promises from immediate household cash flow (CBS News; Military Times).
Reporting and source notes
This article draws on reporting and statements from multiple outlets covering the president’s remarks and the shutdown’s effects on the military: The Washington Times, Washington Examiner, AOL, CBS News, Military Times, and LiveNowFox reporting at LiveNowFox.
Resource guide for service members (regional contacts)
- Base legal and financial offices: Contact your base operator for referrals to office numbers and counselors.
- Military relief societies: Army Emergency Relief, Navy‑Marine Corps Relief Society, Air Force Aid Society (base numbers and applications online).
- Local financial institutions: Credit unions and banks serving the High Desert can offer short-term loans and deferments.
- Community aid: County social services and non-profits in Victorville, Apple Valley and Lancaster often coordinate emergency support.
Conclusion
Officials in Washington continue to debate funding paths while lawmakers press measures like the Pay Our Troops Act of 2026 to prevent future interruptions. For now, troops remain at their posts, pledged pay depends on the political process, and families in the High Desert and across the country are making contingency plans as they wait for both political and administrative fixes.
