(MENAFN) US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent expressed concerns on Sunday about the potential financial difficulties the United States may face in paying its military personnel if the government shutdown is prolonged.

In an interview with a news agency, Bessent explained, "We were able to pay the military employees from excess funds at the Pentagon, middle of this month. I think we’ll be able to pay them beginning in November."

However, he cautioned, "But by Nov. 15, our troops and service members who are willing to risk their lives aren’t going to be able to get paid. What an embarrassment."

On Friday, the Department of Defense confirmed that it would use a $130 million donation from an anonymous supporter of President Donald Trump to ensure military personnel are compensated during this period.

Trump praised the donor, stating, "He’s obviously a very substantial man, and he contributed $130 million for the military in order to make up any difference, so he wanted to see the military get paid. So did I. And he’s a wonderful man."

In related news, Senate Democrats blocked a Republican-led proposal on Thursday that aimed to secure pay for active-duty service members and other vital federal workers impacted by the ongoing shutdown.

The bill was rejected in a mostly party-line vote of 54-45, falling short of the 60 votes required to move forward.

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