Photo: Alamy
The identity of the wealthy private donor who contributed $130 million to the federal government to support military salaries during the ongoing shutdown has been revealed.
The donor has been reported as billionaire investor Timothy Mellon, who donated $100 million to groups backing President Donald Trump and Robert F. Kennedy Jr. during the 2024 presidential election.
“He called us the other day and said, ‘I’d like to contribute any shortfall you have because of the Democrat shutdown … because I love the military and I love the country,’” the president told reporters last week.
The federal government has been partially shut down since Oct. 1, after Democrats objected to a funding resolution that excluded healthcare subsidies they support. Republicans have accused Democrats of trying to secure government-funded healthcare for people in the U.S. illegally.
The Department of War confirmed it accepted the donation.
“On October 23, 2025, the Department of War accepted an anonymous donation of $130 million under its general gift acceptance authority,” Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell said. “The donation was made on the condition that it be used to offset the cost of Service members’ salaries and benefits. We are grateful for this donor’s assistance after Democrats opted to withhold pay from troops.”
Trump has repeatedly vowed to ensure troops are paid despite the budget impasse. He signed an executive order directing the Pentagon to repurpose unused funds to cover military salaries if needed.
“If nothing is done, because of ‘Leader’ Chuck Schumer and the Democrats, our Brave Troops will miss the paychecks they are rightfully due on October 15th,” the president wrote on Truth Social.
“That is why I am using my authority, as Commander in Chief, to direct our Secretary of War, Pete Hegseth, to use all available funds to get our Troops PAID,” he added.
