Timothy Mellon, a reclusive billionaire and a major financial backer of President Donald Trump, has been identified as the anonymous donor who gave $130 million to the Pentagon to pay troops during the government shutdown. Trump, who initially announced the donation on Thursday, refused to reveal the donor’s identity, referring to him as a “patriot” and a “great American citizen.” The president later reiterated his stance on Friday, aboard Air Force One, calling the donor “a substantial man” and emphasizing that he preferred not to be publicly named. This decision to keep the donor’s identity private is notable, as it deviates from the usual practice in political circles where donors often seek recognition.
The $130 million donation would cover each service member’s salary for approximately $100, according to The New York Times. This amount, while significant, is a small fraction of the Trump administration’s 2025 budget request for military compensation, which totals around $600 billion. The Pentagon accepted the donation under its general gift acceptance authority, but the move may raise legal questions, as it potentially violates the Antideficiency Act, which prohibits the acceptance of voluntary services or spending beyond congressional appropriations.
Mellon, a descendant of former Treasury Secretary Andrew W. Mellon, has been a key financial supporter of Trump and Republican causes. He contributed hundreds of millions of dollars to support Trump’s 2024 campaign, including a record-breaking $50 million donation to a Trump-aligned super PAC. The donor has also supported other prominent political figures, such as Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who ran for president as an independent and later endorsed Trump. Mellon’s financial backing extends to Kennedy’s anti-vaccine nonprofit, Children’s Health Defense, highlighting his influence in both political and health-related circles.
Despite his substantial political influence, Mellon has maintained a low public profile. His donation to cover soldiers’ paychecks during the shutdown has drawn attention, particularly given the ongoing government shutdown and the administration’s budgetary disputes. The donation may be an attempt to alleviate some of the financial strain on military personnel during the crisis, but it also raises questions about the legality of the transfer and its impact on the broader budgetary process. As the situation continues, the role of private donations in supporting government functions remains a contentious issue in American politics.