Reeling under a government shutdown, US President Donald Trump on Tuesday said that a "very wealthy gentleman" has offered to pay the salaries of US troops if funding runs out.
While talking to reporters, Trump said the government has money to pay the salaries of US soldiers, but the government is being forced into this position by the Democrats .
"I do... I actually have a man who is a very wealthy person... a donor, a great gentleman, and he said, 'If there's any money necessary, shortfall, for the paying of the troops, then I will pay it,' meaning he will pay it," Trump said.
"And I said... look, we are not gonna need it. We are going to take care of our troops, but this was a position that is being forced upon us by Democrats," he added.
The US President's remarks came as the government shutdown is barreling toward its second week, leaving thousands of federal employees without pay as Washington’s funding battle drags on.
Amid the standoff, the administration has begun laying off over 4,000 workers — a move seen as an attempt to ramp up pressure on Democrats. But despite the political brinkmanship, signs suggest the shutdown could stretch even longer, prompting speculation over whether it might break past records.
With no resolution in sight, the shutdown is expected to continue indefinitely as Republicans and Democrats remain locked in a tussle over health care funding.
The longest shutdown on record commenced on December 22, 2018, during President Donald Trump's first term at the White House . Democrats in Congress refused to support a spending bill that included Trump's 4,730 crore request for fencing on the US-Mexico border.
Lawmakers ultimately approved a spending bill without funding for the border wall, which Trump signed into law on January 25, 2019, ending the shutdown.
The government partially shut down on December 16, 1995, amid a clash between the Republican-controlled Congress and then-President Bill Clinton, a Democrat, over balancing the budget.
At the heart of the dispute is a fight over whether subsidies under the Affordable Care Act should be extended. Democrats insist the support is vital to prevent insurance premiums from spiking, while Republicans argue that the spending bill must not include what they frame as “handouts” connected to immigration and health care.
Clinton signed a bill to reopen the government on January 6, 1996. Some polls indicated that the public largely blamed Republicans in Congress for the shutdown, and some analysts suggested the dispute helped Clinton win reelection in 1996.
While talking to reporters, Trump said the government has money to pay the salaries of US soldiers, but the government is being forced into this position by the Democrats .
"I do... I actually have a man who is a very wealthy person... a donor, a great gentleman, and he said, 'If there's any money necessary, shortfall, for the paying of the troops, then I will pay it,' meaning he will pay it," Trump said.
"And I said... look, we are not gonna need it. We are going to take care of our troops, but this was a position that is being forced upon us by Democrats," he added.
JUST IN: President Trump says a "very wealthy gentleman" offered to pay U.S. troops' salaries if funding ran out during the government shutdown.
— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) October 14, 2025
Reporter: "You have the money to pay the troops...?"
Trump: "I do... I actually have a man who is a very wealthy person... A donor, a… pic.twitter.com/odvwAn6yxi
The US President's remarks came as the government shutdown is barreling toward its second week, leaving thousands of federal employees without pay as Washington’s funding battle drags on.
Amid the standoff, the administration has begun laying off over 4,000 workers — a move seen as an attempt to ramp up pressure on Democrats. But despite the political brinkmanship, signs suggest the shutdown could stretch even longer, prompting speculation over whether it might break past records.
With no resolution in sight, the shutdown is expected to continue indefinitely as Republicans and Democrats remain locked in a tussle over health care funding.
The longest shutdown on record commenced on December 22, 2018, during President Donald Trump's first term at the White House . Democrats in Congress refused to support a spending bill that included Trump's 4,730 crore request for fencing on the US-Mexico border.
Lawmakers ultimately approved a spending bill without funding for the border wall, which Trump signed into law on January 25, 2019, ending the shutdown.
The government partially shut down on December 16, 1995, amid a clash between the Republican-controlled Congress and then-President Bill Clinton, a Democrat, over balancing the budget.
At the heart of the dispute is a fight over whether subsidies under the Affordable Care Act should be extended. Democrats insist the support is vital to prevent insurance premiums from spiking, while Republicans argue that the spending bill must not include what they frame as “handouts” connected to immigration and health care.
Clinton signed a bill to reopen the government on January 6, 1996. Some polls indicated that the public largely blamed Republicans in Congress for the shutdown, and some analysts suggested the dispute helped Clinton win reelection in 1996.
You may also like
Indian-American expert Ashley Tellis Arrested: What were his views on India, Pakistan, US, and China?
Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan extends wishes on 'Mahila Kisan Diwas', says "farming is incomplete without women"
Tejashwi Yadav files nomination from Raghopur, promises change and development
Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana: Women in this state will be in for a treat before Diwali, with free cylinders; will you also benefit?
Chirag Paswan's LJP (RV) announces list of 14 candidates for Bihar Assembly polls
