Pentagon accepts $130 million anonymous donation to cover military pay during shutdown

The Pentagon said on Thursday that the contribution was made “under its general gift acceptance authority” and would be used specifically to support service members’ pay and benefits.

President Donald Trump first revealed the donation during a White House event, describing the benefactor as “a friend of mine” and “a true patriot,” while refusing to disclose the person’s identity. “He didn’t want recognition,” Trump told reporters, calling the gift “an incredible act of support for our troops.”

The unusual donation comes amid one of the longest federal shutdowns in U.S. history, now in its 24th day, leaving uncertainty over how long the administration can continue to move money internally to ensure that soldiers and their families are paid.

Last week, the Trump administration redirected $6.5 billion from military research and development programs to make payroll. Officials have not confirmed whether such transfers will continue if the shutdown drags on.

While $130 million is a striking figure, it represents only a fraction of the billions needed for full military payroll. The White House said the funds would help “offset any potential shortfall.”

Ethical questions raised

The donation immediately prompted scrutiny from government ethics experts.

“This is unprecedented,” said Max Stier, president of the nonpartisan Partnership for Public Service. “It treats the salaries of uniformed service members as if someone is picking up the check at a restaurant. It’s not how a democracy should function.”

Under Pentagon policy, officials must consult ethics officers before accepting any donation exceeding $10,000 to ensure the donor has no pending business, contracts, or litigation involving the department. The Defense Department has not released any details about that review.

A deepening political standoff

The shutdown — driven by partisan gridlock over healthcare funding — has pushed the government into a fiscal crisis. Lawmakers from both parties have voiced concern about military pay interruptions becoming political leverage in the standoff.

The administration maintains that the donation is legal and patriotic. Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell said, “We are grateful for this donor’s assistance after Democrats chose to withhold pay from troops.”

Still, critics argue that accepting private funds to pay soldiers sets a troubling precedent. “The issue isn’t patriotism,” one congressional aide told reporters. “It’s accountability.”