Government shutdown deepens as White House aids military funds to pay troops while millions face hunger

The United States is now in the throes of one of its longest government shutdowns in history, and the human and political costs are beginning to show. While the Trump administration scrambles to keep the nation’s military funded, millions of Americans face the growing threat of hunger, stalled benefits, and missed paychecks.

Vice President JD Vance confirmed on Tuesday that the White House had located funds to ensure U.S. troops receive their pay this week, averting an immediate crisis. However, the relief comes with a major caveat — the administration has reportedly pulled billions of dollars from unrelated defense accounts to cover military payroll, raising sharp concerns about fiscal legality and priorities.

According to officials familiar with the matter, the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) cobbled together $5.3 billion from three different sources: $2.5 billion from a military housing fund, $1.4 billion from the Pentagon’s research and development budget, and another $1.4 billion from defense procurement accounts originally earmarked for naval projects. The move, first reported by Axios, marks the second time in a month the administration has reallocated funds to avoid missing troop payments.

“We believe we can continue to pay the troops on Friday,” Vance told reporters at the Capitol. “Unfortunately, we’re not going to be able to pay everybody.”

The stopgap measure, however, does little to address the deepening crisis. While active-duty service members will be paid, federal workers, contractors, and low-income families are still struggling without income or assistance. With the shutdown nearing its fourth week, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) — relied upon by over 42 million Americans — is projected to run out of funds within days. The White House insists it cannot use contingency funds to sustain benefits through November, effectively leaving states unable to reimburse recipients.

Democratic leaders have accused the administration of using the military as a political shield while allowing vulnerable Americans to suffer. “This is a deliberate act of cruelty,” said Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, referring to the decision not to extend SNAP funding. “You can find billions to pay troops, but not to feed families?”

Meanwhile, the nation’s largest federal employee union — the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) — has called on Congress to pass a clean funding bill. “No more gamesmanship,” AFGE President Everett Kelley said. “End this shutdown now.”

The shutdown’s impact is spreading rapidly. Head Start programs, which provide early education to children from low-income families, are running out of federal grants. If funding isn’t restored soon, over 65,000 preschool seats could be affected nationwide. Air travel delays are becoming common as unpaid Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers call in sick.

At the heart of the standoff lies a political deadlock over health care funding. Democrats insist that any resolution must include an extension of subsidies under the Affordable Care Act (ACA), while Republicans maintain that discussions on healthcare must wait until after the government reopens.

Despite growing pressure from voters, neither side appears willing to concede. With President Trump abroad in Asia, Congress is left in gridlock. Inside the Capitol, lawmakers on both sides acknowledged the toll on everyday Americans. “We’ve got to come together,” said Republican Sen. Lisa Murkowski. “Because right now, it’s the American people who are losing.”

As the days drag on, the question remains: How long can Washington play politics while millions go hungry and government workers suffer?

FAQs

1. Why is the U.S. government shut down?
The shutdown stems from a budget impasse between Congress and the Trump administration over funding priorities, including health care subsidies and federal spending levels.

2. How are U.S. troops still being paid?
The White House diverted $5.3 billion from other defense accounts — including research, procurement, and housing funds — to cover military pay during the shutdown.

3. What programs are affected by the shutdown?
Major programs like SNAP (food assistance), WIC, and Head Start are on the brink of halting services, while federal employees and contractors remain unpaid.

4. Is it legal for the administration to move military funds?
Experts and some Democrats argue that the move may violate Congress’ power of appropriation. However, the White House defends it as an emergency measure.

5. When could the shutdown end?
There’s currently no set timeline. Both parties remain deeply divided, though public pressure is mounting for an immediate resolution.