Trump administration looks for ways to pay federal officers during shutdown

October 15, 2025

The Trump administration is exploring alternative funding methods to pay federal law enforcement officers as the government shutdown enters its third week with no resolution in sight. Officials are also seeking ways to maintain essential services, including using previously allocated Pentagon funds to pay military personnel and tariff revenue to support the WIC nutrition program for women and children. About 750,000 federal employees (40% of the workforce) have been furloughed, with approximately 4,000 workers already laid off across seven agencies.

Who is affected

Federal law enforcement officers including FBI, DEA, Border Patrol, and ICE agents
Military personnel who would have had pay withheld on October 15
Approximately 750,000 federal employees (40% of the workforce) who are furloughed
4,000 workers who have already been laid off across seven agencies
More than 6.5 million people who rely on the WIC nutrition program
Pregnant, breastfeeding, and postpartum women, along with infants and children up to age five

What action is being taken

The Office of Management and Budget is examining alternative payment methods for federal law enforcement officers
The administration is using previously allocated Pentagon defense research funds to ensure military personnel are paid
Officials are utilizing tariff revenue to fund the WIC nutrition program
The administration is implementing layoffs at seven federal agencies
Congressional Democrats are planning to introduce a bill to ensure WIC remains fully funded

Why it matters

Essential law enforcement and military personnel are expected to work without guaranteed pay during the shutdown
Critical nutrition assistance for over 6.5 million vulnerable women, infants, and children is at risk without permanent funding solutions
The livelihoods of 750,000 federal workers are affected by furloughs
Essential government services across multiple agencies are disrupted or at risk of disruption
The political stalemate prevents normal government operations and budget processes

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: BBC