An unidentified donor has provided $130 million to the Pentagon, with the funds designated for the salaries and benefits of U.S. service members during the ongoing government shutdown. U.S. defense officials confirmed the gift.
The Donation
An unnamed individual has committed $130 million (£100 million) to the Pentagon. This donation is intended to help cover the pay for U.S. troops. Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell confirmed on Friday that the donation was accepted under the department's "general gift acceptance authority" and was made on the condition that it be used for service members' salaries and benefits.
President Donald Trump mentioned the donor as a "big supporter of mine" and a U.S. citizen, noting the individual's preference to remain anonymous. Trump described the donor as "a great gentleman," "a patron," and a "patriot," stating, "He put up $130 million in order to make sure — that's a lot of money — in order to make sure that the military got paid, and he's a big supporter of mine."
The donated funds amount to approximately $100 per servicemember for the nation's 1.32 million service members.
Government Shutdown Context
The government shutdown has extended for more than three weeks after lawmakers failed to approve a funding agreement. Currently in its 25th day, the shutdown has affected government operations. The Trump administration previously paid troops last week by reallocating $8 billion from military research funds. The next military payday is scheduled for October 31, and Congress has not passed legislation to ensure military pay during the shutdown. Most government workers have been furloughed or are working without pay throughout this period.
Pentagon Gift Acceptance Procedures
According to Department of Defense regulations, donations exceeding $10,000 must be reviewed by ethics officials. This review aims to "determine whether the donor is involved in any claims, procurement actions, litigation, or other particular matters involving the Department that must be considered prior to gift acceptance." Additionally, donations from non-American citizens require further scrutiny. While the Pentagon does accept gifts, these are typically given to fund specific projects, such as schools, hospitals, libraries, museums, or cemeteries.
Reactions
Critics have raised questions concerning the U.S. military's acceptance of anonymous funds. Senator Chris Coons (D-Delaware), the leading Democrat on the Senate's defense appropriations subcommittee, stated, "Using anonymous donations to fund our military raises troubling questions of whether our own troops are at risk of literally being bought and paid for by foreign powers."