Trump Admin Reveals Where $5.3 Billion for Military Pay Comes From During Shutdown

The Trump administration has found another $5.3 billion to pay U.S. military personnel during the ongoing government shutdown, shifting funds from several federal accounts to cover payroll, officials said Wednesday.

The money comes from multiple sources, including $2.5 billion redirected from the administration’s summer tax cut legislation, $1.4 billion from a military procurement account and another $1.4 billion from research and development. It marks the second time since the shutdown began that the White House has moved money to ensure service members receive their paychecks.

A senior White House official confirmed the maneuver to the Associated Press, which was first reported by Axios, on the condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss it publicly. The official did not address President Donald Trump’s earlier claim that an anonymous friend donated $130 million to help pay the troops — a fraction of what is required for military payroll.

While members of the armed forces continue to be paid, hundreds of thousands of other federal employees remain furloughed or are working without pay as the shutdown stretches into its 29th day. The administration has not indicated how long it can continue redirecting funds to sustain military pay without congressional approval.

This is a breaking news article. Updates to follow.

This article includes reporting by the Associated Press.