The federal government shutdown continues as negotiations remain stalled, with Democrats continuing to push for expansive new spending measures, including taxpayer-funded healthcare for illegal aliens.

The stalemate, dubbed the “Schumer Shutdown” by Republicans, has led to a series of economic and social consequences, including the depletion of funds for the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program and uncertainty over military pay.

To address those immediate concerns, President Donald Trump authorized the use of tariff revenue to keep WIC funding active and ordered that U.S. military personnel continue to receive their pay during the ongoing impasse.

The White House said the action was necessary to ensure essential support for families and service members affected by the shutdown.

However, Democratic leaders have criticized the decision and are reportedly weighing a lawsuit against the Trump administration for reallocating funds without congressional approval.

Democrats now want to block the President from funding our troops and protecting vulnerable Americans with tariff revenue, all while keeping the government shut down to push free healthcare for illegal aliens.

Once again, Democrats put AMERICA LAST. pic.twitter.com/AaDnXMBrD8

— The White House (@WhiteHouse) October 15, 2025

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The move has sparked widespread backlash, with conservatives accusing Democrats of prioritizing political leverage over the needs of Americans and military families.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt condemned the Democratic response in a statement posted on X.

“The Democrats shut down the federal government and are holding the American people hostage to give illegal aliens taxpayer benefits. So President Trump took action by using tariff revenue to fund the women, infants, and children program and his Commander in Chief authority to ensure our troops get paid,” Leavitt said.

“But now the radical Democrats are going to sue to stop the President from paying our troops and protecting vulnerable Americans? They’re despicable and heartless!” she added.

🚨The Democrats shut down the federal government and are holding the American people hostage to give illegal aliens taxpayer benefits.

So President Trump took action by using tariff revenue to fund the women, infants, and children program and his Commander in Chief authority to… pic.twitter.com/yxa1KRQos3

— Karoline Leavitt (@PressSec) October 15, 2025

House Speaker Mike Johnson also defended the President’s move, telling Axios that Republicans would not back down in ensuring troops and families are supported during the shutdown.

“If the Democrats want to go to court and challenge troops being paid, bring it,” Johnson said.

Axios reported that some Democrats within the House caucus privately acknowledge the political risk of suing the administration over the issue, particularly in competitive districts where such a move could alienate voters.

“The legality is questionable, but politically I hope Democrats don’t do it,” one unnamed Democratic lawmaker told the outlet, describing the potential lawsuit as a “massive political headache” for those seeking reelection in battleground areas.

1. Democrats shut the government down bc they want free health care for illegal aliens

2. Democrats say missed pay for troops won’t make them open the govt

3. President Trump finds a way to pay our troops

4. Democrats complain about troops getting paid pic.twitter.com/1ihCvIYpzb

— Abigail Jackson (@ATJackson47) October 15, 2025

The shutdown, now stretching into its second week, began after Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and Democratic leadership refused to advance a short-term funding measure unless additional provisions were included for expanded social programs, immigration-related spending, and climate initiatives.

Republican negotiators have pushed back, insisting that the government be reopened without what they describe as partisan “wish list” funding.

While federal agencies continue to experience operational slowdowns, the Trump administration has sought to use existing authorities to minimize disruptions to critical services.

The White House maintains that ensuring military pay and continued WIC benefits falls squarely within the President’s constitutional and statutory powers.

As the standoff continues, pressure is mounting on Congress to find a path forward.

Analysts say any Democratic lawsuit to block troop payments could further intensify public scrutiny and deepen frustration among voters already affected by the shutdown’s impact on services and benefits.

The White House has not indicated any plans to reverse the President’s directive.

Administration officials say they remain focused on maintaining essential support for American families and national security until Congress resolves the budget impasse.