Donald Trump says he has directed the defence secretary to release funds on 15 October. Key US politics stories from 11 October at a glance

President Donald Trump on Saturday said his administration has "identified funds" to pay troops next week despite the federal government shutdown.

The U.S. has about 1.3 million active-duty service members.

President claims he found a way to pay troops and directed Pentagon chief to release funds on 15 October

The Trump administration on Friday announced it had begun laying off more than 4,000 federal workers but will pay troops as the government shutdown continues.

Donald Trump says he has directed the defence secretary to release funds on 15 October. Key US politics stories from 11 October at a glance

The president's directive would ensure US military personnel don't miss a scheduled paycheque next week.