In a turn of events as historic as it is unconventional, the U.S. Department of War confirmed this week that it accepted a $130 million anonymous donation to ensure continued pay for American service members amid the ongoing government shutdown. The donation, reportedly orchestrated by a wealthy Trump ally, comes as the federal budget impasse—dubbed the “Schumer Shutdown” by President Donald Trump—enters its fourth week with no resolution in sight.
President Trump, speaking at a Thursday press briefing, revealed that a “patriotic” friend contacted the administration offering to cover any funding gaps for military salaries. Though the Department of War declined to name the benefactor, multiple reports point to billionaire Timothy Mellon, the reclusive heir to the Mellon banking dynasty and a known megadonor. Mellon has neither confirmed nor denied involvement.
This is not the first time Mellon has made waves in national politics. During the 2024 election cycle, he contributed a staggering $100 million to support both Trump and Robert F. Kennedy Jr.—a political alliance that would have seemed improbable only years ago. Kennedy now serves in Trump’s cabinet as Secretary of Health and Human Services, marking a striking fusion of populist and libertarian strands within the administration.
The donation was confirmed in a statement from Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell, who 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.”
The move has added a dramatic layer to an already tense standoff on Capitol Hill. The government shutdown, which began on October 1, stemmed from a funding dispute over healthcare subsidies and immigration policy. Republicans have accused Senate Democrats, led by Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, of prioritizing subsidies for illegal immigrants over military readiness and national security.
President Trump has made troop pay a rallying cry, declaring on Truth Social, “I will not allow the Democrats to hold our Military, and the entire Security of our Nation, HOSTAGE.” Days earlier, he signed an executive order directing Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to use repurposed funds to temporarily cover military salaries in the absence of congressional action.
“Chuck Schumer recently said, ‘Every day gets better’ during their Radical Left Shutdown. I DISAGREE!” Trump wrote, framing the standoff as a clash between patriotic governance and progressive obstructionism.
Legally, donations to the federal government are permitted under existing statutes, though the use of private funds for military salaries may still require congressional review and appropriation. Fox News reported that while the Pentagon accepted the donation under its general gift authority, how quickly and seamlessly the money can be deployed may depend on lawmakers’ cooperation.
Regardless, the gesture is both symbolic and strategic: a billionaire stepping in to do what Congress has failed to do—pay the troops.