Mystery donor gives $130m to US military to pay troops during shutdown

BBC News - WorldCenterEN 3 min read 100% complete October 26, 2025 at 02:37 PM

AI Summary

medium article 3 min

An anonymous donor has given $130 million to the Pentagon to help pay U.S. military personnel during the government shutdown. President Donald Trump hinted that the donor is a supporter of his and a U.S. citizen, with media reports identifying him as billionaire Timothy Mellon. The donation will offset salary shortfalls for 1.32 million service members. With the shutdown now in its 26th day, it could become one of the longest in U.S. history. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin previously stated that without a resolution, military paychecks after October 31st would be at risk. Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell confirmed the donation will specifically support service members' salaries and benefits under the department's gift acceptance authority.

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New York Times 40% CBS 40% Treasury Secretary ×250% Scott Bessent ×250% Timothy Mellon ×270% Pentagon ×380% Donald Trump ×480% US ×5100%

Keywords

government shutdown 90% military pay 85% anonymous donor 80% pentagon 75% trump administration 70% treasury secretary 65% service members 60% ethical concerns 55% funding deal 50% political donation 45%