The Pentagon confirmed Friday that it accepted an anonymous $130 million donation to help cover military pay during the ongoing government shutdown, a move announced by President Donald Trump earlier in the week. Trump described the donor as “a friend of mine,” calling the gift an act of patriotism but declining to reveal the person’s identity.
Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell said the funds were accepted “under its general gift acceptance authority” and earmarked to “offset the cost of Service members’ salaries and benefits.” The donation, while significant, represents only a fraction of the $6.5 billion needed for military payroll, which the administration covered last week by shifting funds from other defense programs.
Ethics experts raised concerns about transparency and legality, noting that Pentagon policy requires consultation with ethics officials before accepting large gifts. “It’s treating the payment of our uniformed services as if someone’s picking up your bar tab,” said Max Stier, CEO of the Partnership for Public Service.
The shutdown, now in its 24th day, has intensified partisan gridlock over health care funding and military pay.
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