The Trump administration announced a $130 million donation to cover military pay during the government shutdown.
The funds came from an anonymous ally, Pentagon officials confirmed.
“On October 23, 2025, the Department of War accepted an anonymous donation of $130 million under its general gift acceptance authority,” Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell said.
The gift was designated to offset the salaries and benefits of service members affected by the shutdown.
Parnell expressed gratitude for the donation, noting Democrats withheld pay from troops.
President Donald Trump revealed that a “friend” offered the money out of patriotism.
“He called us the other day and said, ‘I’d like to contribute any shortfall you have because of the Democrat shutdown. I’d like to contribute personally, because I love the military and I love the country,’” Trump said.
How the money can legally reach troops remains unclear, according to the Daily Mail.
Congress may need to approve the funds to ensure they are properly distributed.
Romina Boccia of the Cato Institute explained, “While the government may accept general donations that go toward general funds available to the government, Congress is the one who must appropriate that money to go toward federal employees’ salaries.”
Boccia added that the Pentagon can acknowledge the donor’s intent, but legal restrictions still require congressional approval.
Defense rules state that donations over $10,000 supporting service members or their families must undergo an ethics review.
This ensures the donor has no significant interests that could influence the gift.
Foreign donations face even stricter review.
Max Stier of the Partnership for Public Service called the donation “crazy” and likened it to treating military pay as if someone is picking up a bar tab.
Stier also questioned the legality and demanded more transparency.
Senate Republicans introduced a plan to continue paying active-duty service members and other federal workers during the shutdown.
The effort was blocked by most Democrats, who argued it did not help furloughed employees.
Congress is deadlocked over the shutdown, now in its 24th day.
Neither Republicans nor Democrats are budging on the broader funding dispute.
Payment for service members remains a top concern for lawmakers on both sides.
Last week, the Trump administration shifted $8 billion from military research and development to maintain payroll.
It is unclear if the administration will shift funds again next week as the shutdown drags on.
White House officials have not specified how this $130 million donation will be allocated within the federal treasury.
The contribution highlights Trump’s focus on ensuring military compensation continues despite political gridlock.
