Who writes a $130 million cheque to the Pentagon—and asks for no credit?
That’s the question sparking debate in Washington, after an unnamed donor stepped in to help pay US troops during the ongoing government shutdown.
The Pentagon confirmed the gift, saying it would cover shortfalls in paying America’s 1.3 million service members.
President Donald Trump praised the donor as “a great gentleman” and “a big supporter of mine,” but refused to reveal his name.
The New York Times later identified him as billionaire Timothy Mellon, heir to a $15 billion family fortune and a longtime Trump backer.
Ethics Questions Raised
The government has now been shut down for more than three weeks—one of the longest in US history.
The Trump administration temporarily shifted $8 billion from research funds to pay troops.
The next payday on October 31 remains uncertain.
Under Pentagon rules, donations over $10,000 must be reviewed for ethics concerns.
And this one—anonymous, enormous, and politically charged—has raised eyebrows.
“Using anonymous donations to fund our military raises troubling questions,” warned Senator Chris Coons.
He suggested it could open the door to foreign influence.
It’s not every day patriotism comes with a nine-figure price tag—and no name attached.
