Did billionaire Timothy Mellon secretly rescue U.S. troops with a $130 million donation during the shutdown?

In an unprecedented move, a massive $130 million donation has been made to the U.S. government to fund military salaries amid the ongoing government shutdown. While President Donald Trump publicly hailed the unnamed benefactor as a “patriot” and a “friend,” multiple sources have since confirmed that the mysterious donor is none other than Timothy Mellon, a reclusive billionaire investor and a long-time financial supporter of Trump’s political causes.

According to individuals familiar with the matter, Mellon made the donation privately to prevent thousands of active-duty military personnel from missing their paychecks as the federal government remains gridlocked. Defense Department officials confirmed they had accepted the gift under existing rules that allow for public donations to support military programs. However, they declined to disclose details about the donor, citing privacy and security concerns.

Trump’s Praise but No Confirmation

During a Thursday night briefing, President Trump revealed the existence of the extraordinary donation but stopped short of identifying Mellon by name. Speaking aboard Air Force One the next day, he referred to the donor only as “a great American citizen” and “a substantial man,” fueling speculation about the donor’s identity.

Mellon, the heir to the wealthy Mellon banking family, is known for his deep pockets and political influence. Over the years, he has quietly financed conservative causes and Republican campaigns, including significant donations to Trump’s re-election efforts. His latest act of financial patriotism, however, appears to blur the lines between philanthropy and politics in a time of fiscal crisis.

Pentagon Accepts the Gift Amid Scrutiny

Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell confirmed that the Department of Defense (DOD) had officially accepted the $130 million donation under its “general gift acceptance authority.” The funds, he said, were specifically directed toward offsetting the cost of service members’ pay and benefits.

Yet, this move has sparked questions among analysts and ethics experts. Under DOD regulations, any gift exceeding $10,000 must undergo rigorous ethical review to ensure that it does not create a conflict of interest or violate federal laws. Additional layers of scrutiny are required when the donor’s citizenship or potential business interests might influence defense operations.

Critics Call It “Unusual and Unvetted”

Todd Harrison, a defense budget analyst at the American Enterprise Institute, questioned the practicality and transparency of the arrangement. “This sounds like a half-baked idea that hasn’t been fully vetted,” Harrison said, noting that while donations to the military are not illegal, they are typically approved by Congress and tied to specific projects such as academy improvements or morale initiatives—not salaries.

Given that military payroll for just half a month amounts to about $6.5 billion, the $130 million contribution would only cover roughly a third of a day’s wages for the entire force. Still, the gesture has symbolic weight, signaling private sector intervention in what many view as a government failure.

Political Tensions Continue

The issue of military pay has deepened partisan divides on Capitol Hill. Republican leaders have resisted calls to reconvene the House to pass a standalone bill ensuring military compensation during the shutdown, using the stalemate as leverage to pressure Senate Democrats into supporting a short-term funding resolution.

Democrats, meanwhile, argue that selective funding—such as paying troops while leaving furloughed federal workers unpaid—creates inequities and ignores the broader human impact of the shutdown.

Lawmakers are expected to revisit the issue in upcoming sessions, as the next scheduled payday for military personnel looms on October 30.

FAQs

Who is Timothy Mellon?
Timothy Mellon is a billionaire investor, heir to the Mellon banking fortune, and a known supporter of conservative causes and Donald Trump’s political campaigns.

Why did he donate $130 million?
He reportedly made the donation to ensure U.S. military personnel continued receiving pay during the government shutdown.

Is it legal for private citizens to donate to the federal government?
Yes, under U.S. law, individuals can make donations to government departments, but such gifts undergo ethical and legal review to avoid conflicts of interest.

Will the donation fully cover military pay?
No. The $130 million covers only a fraction of total military salaries, which exceed $6 billion for just half a month.

Has the Pentagon confirmed the donor’s identity?
The Pentagon confirmed the donation but has not officially disclosed the donor’s name.