Democratic Representative Madeleine Dean (D-PA) expressed her displeasure following President Donald Trump’s announcement to utilize unspent research and development (R&D) funds to ensure U.S. troops receive their paychecks amid the ongoing government shutdown, which she attributes to Democratic turmoil.
In a CNN interview with John Berman, Dean voiced her frustration that the President is circumventing the shutdown by prioritizing troop payments.
John Berman: “What’s your stance on these paychecks being issued during the shutdown? While no one opposes paying people, some argue this could alleviate pressure and possibly prolong the shutdown…”
Rep. Madeleine Dean: “I absolutely want our military to be compensated. I want federal law enforcement officers to receive their pay. But there are proper channels for this. As someone involved in appropriations, this is not the correct method to govern.”
WATCH:
Rep. Dean is incensed that President Trump is ensuring troop payments during the ongoing shutdown.
DEAN: “This isn’t the right way to conduct government!” pic.twitter.com/C26BNpVYWk
— RNC Research (@RNCResearch) October 14, 2025
The Democrats appear distressed that President Trump has found a way to safeguard troop salaries while they engage in political maneuvering, jeopardizing national security.
On Saturday, President Trump declared his intention to redirect unused federal R&D funds to ensure American military personnel receive their paychecks on October 15.
“As Commander in Chief, I’m using my authority to direct our Secretary of War, Pete Hegseth, to utilize all available funds to ensure our Troops are PAID,” Trump wrote on Truth Social.
A Pentagon official confirmed that about $8 billion originally earmarked for research, development, testing, and evaluation would be redirected for military payroll should the shutdown persist, as reported by Reuters.
Despite Republicans controlling both Congressional chambers, the Democrats have leveraged the Senate’s 60-vote requirement to effectively stall the government’s operation.
Rather than engaging in negotiations, they have dug in their heels, labeling Trump’s actions as “an abuse of power” simply for fulfilling his obligation to pay troops.
House Speaker Mike Johnson responded vigorously:
My understanding is that they legitimately possess the authority to move around appropriated funds—money already allocated by Congress to the Department of Defense. Unspent R&D funds are being used to pay our troops now. If the Democrats wish to litigate over troop payments, let them challenge it.
“I’m thankful for a Commander in Chief who prioritizes national defense and clearly sees the urgency we’ve all voted for—Republicans have voted eight times to fund our troops and ensure the paychecks of federal workers in critical roles. In contrast, Democrats have voted against these necessary payments eight times.”
“I’m grateful we have a president willing to do what’s right.”
WATCH:
BREAKING: Speaker Johnson asserts, “If Democrats want to litigate, let them,” regarding Trump reallocating unspent R&D funds to compensate troops.
Indeed, such a lawsuit would demonstrate to the American public that Democrats are inclined to inflict harm… pic.twitter.com/lyUYnPT6v1
— Gunther Eagleman™ (@GuntherEagleman) October 14, 2025
