Trump Pays Troops, Democrats Pay Themselves
Kevin McCullough
If you’re looking for proof that one party still has a shred of seriousness left in this shutdown circus, look no further than two recent developments: a growing roster of lawmakers voluntarily rejecting paychecks while Washington is locked down, and President Trump vowing to the troops that “every last penny” of their pay will be honored despite the stalemate. These aren’t just gestures for show — they underscore a fundamental contrast between those willing to take real hits for principle and those content to posture for cameras and cable hits.
From Rep. Chip Roy (R-Texas) to Ashley Hinson (R-Iowa), Tom Barrett (R-Mich.), Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R-Iowa), and Rob Bresnahan (R-Pa.), a growing number of Republican lawmakers have formally requested that their pay be withheld during the shutdown. Some senators — like Lindsey Graham — have gone further, pledging to donate their salaries while the impasse continues. They don’t have to do it. Federal law requires that members of Congress be paid even during a shutdown, and the 27th Amendment ensures their salaries can’t be altered until after the next election. So yes, it’s technically symbolic — but in a world where symbolism has become the coin of political currency, this gesture carries real weight.
It says, “If we’re forcing ordinary Americans to live without a paycheck because government is bloated, wasteful, or mismanaged, then we should share in that pain.” That’s leadership by example — a rare thing in a city addicted to finger-pointing and immunity from consequence. While these lawmakers tighten their belts, Democrats in Congress haven’t exactly been lining up to join them. They’re still collecting full pay while lecturing about “shared sacrifice.” They talk endlessly about compassion, equity, and fairness — but when it comes time to lead by example, they vanish faster than a government grant on a pet project.
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https://townhall.com/columnists/kevinmccullough/2025/10/06/trump-pays-troops-democrats-pay-themselves-n2664511
