Billionaire Timothy Mellon Donates $130M to Pay U.S. Troops During Shutdown Amid Legal Questions

Timothy Mellon, a reclusive billionaire and major supporter of President Donald Trump, anonymously donated $130 million to the Pentagon to help pay U.S. troops during the government shutdown, with the funds accepted under the Pentagon's general gift authority. Mellon, grandson of former Treasury Secretary Andrew W. Mellon, has been a significant GOP backer, contributing hundreds of millions of dollars to Trump and other political causes, including Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s campaign and anti-vaccine efforts. The donation equates to roughly $100 per active-duty service member but raises legal questions about whether the government can accept or spend such funds without congressional appropriation, potentially violating the Antideficiency Act. President Trump praised the donor as a "patriot" and friend who preferred to remain anonymous, highlighting the gesture as evidence of his support for the military amid the shutdown. Critics note the donation is a small fraction of total military payroll and express concern that such executive actions circumvent congressional control over federal spending, potentially threatening democratic norms and the constitutional power of the purse. The Pentagon's acceptance of the donation marks an unusual step during the shutdown, and the situation continues to evolve as legal and political implications are considered.