President Donald Trump has issued a direct order to the Pentagon, instructing Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to ensure that all US military personnel are paid on time, even as the federal government remains shut down. The payment is scheduled for Wednesday, and the President’s directive aims to prevent any disruption to the troops’ regular pay. Trump expressed his determination to prevent Democrats from using the shutdown to hold the military and national security hostage, stating his commitment on his Truth Social platform. He blamed the “Radical Left Democrats” for the shutdown, urging them to reopen the government so that a collaborative approach can be taken on critical issues like healthcare. The ongoing budget dispute between Republicans and Democrats has led to the federal government’s closure for nearly 12 days. Democrats have refused to pass a Republican spending plan without assurances that expiring tax credits supporting health insurance costs will be preserved, alongside a reversal of Trump’s Medicaid cuts. Republicans, conversely, accuse Democrats of obstructing government operations and causing the economic repercussions of the federal work stoppage. The decision to prioritize military pay could be a strategic move by the administration to mitigate political fallout if the shutdown continues.
Tragedy in Tumbler Ridge: Nine Lives Lost, Dozens Injured in British Columbia Shootings
A profound sense of shock and sorrow has swept across Canada following a devastating shooting on Wednesday. In a quiet,...