*In an unprecedented move to offset a payroll shortfall during the ongoing government shutdown, the Pentagon confirmed it has accepted a $130 million donation to help fund military salaries. The contribution, announced by President Donald Trump, has drawn scrutiny from ethics watchdogs and sparked debate over the role of private funding in federal obligations.
President Trump praised the donor as “a patriot,” telling reporters Thursday, “That’s what I call a patriot.” He declined to name the individual, referring to him only as “a friend of mine” who wished to remain anonymous.
Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell said the donation was accepted under the department’s general gift authority and would be used to support service members’ salaries and benefits. Critics argue the move highlights Washington’s financial vulnerability and raises concerns about cronyism and transparency.
“This is not how a constitutional government should fund its military,” said one ethics analyst. “Relying on personal connections to fill budget gaps sets a dangerous precedent.”
President Trump said that a wealthy private donor has given the US government $130 million to cover any shortfall in military salaries caused by the ongoing government shutdown https://t.co/1Whbw9GfnN pic.twitter.com/70cyPwPfiv
— Reuters (@Reuters) October 24, 2025
Scroll to continue reading
Earlier in October, Trump directed the Department of Defense to use “all available funds” to ensure troops were paid. The Pentagon subsequently reallocated $8 billion from its research and development budget to cover the October 15 payroll for 1.3 million active-duty personnel and thousands of National Guard and Reserve members.
Military pay is typically issued twice monthly, on the 15th and 31st. With the end-of-month payday approaching, officials warn that the $130 million donation covers only a fraction of the $6.5 billion needed to meet full payroll demands. The Pentagon has not confirmed whether additional reallocations or emergency measures will be used to cover November compensation.
The reallocation of funds was made without congressional approval, prompting legal and procedural questions about the sustainability of such maneuvers. The donation itself has intensified scrutiny, especially given the president’s personal involvement in securing financial support during a politically charged shutdown.
BREAKING: Timothy Mellon, a reclusive billionaire and major Trump supporter, has been identified as the anonymous donor who contributed $130 million to the U.S. government to help cover military troop salaries during the ongoing federal shutdown.pic.twitter.com/cM6ZTvOKTO
— Gunther Eagleman™ (@GuntherEagleman) October 27, 2025
(If You Like/Appreciate This EURweb Story, Please SHARE it!)
MORE NEWS ON EURWEB.COM: Sherri Shepherd Honored with Hollywood Walk of Fame Star | Video
We Publish Breaking News 24/7. Don’t Miss Out! Sign up for our Free daily newsletter HERE
