The Trump administration has greenlit a $130 million donation from an unnamed supporter to help cover military salaries during the ongoing government shutdown, the Defense Department confirmed on October 24, 2025. Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell said the funds, accepted under the department’s gift authority, are meant to offset service members’ pay and benefits.
This unusual move has sparked debate, as it breaks from the norm of funding the military through congressional budgets. With about 1.3 million active-duty troops, the donation amounts to roughly $100 per person—barely a dent in the billions needed for full salaries. Trump called the donor a “friend” who wants no spotlight, but dodged questions about their identity or possible foreign ties, leaving lawmakers and experts uneasy.
Democrats, like Delaware Sen. Chris Coons, are sounding alarms, warning that anonymous funds could open the door to foreign influence over U.S. troops. They also argue the donation might violate the Antideficiency Act, which bans spending beyond allocated funds. Budget expert Bill Hoagland told CNN the law clearly blocks private donations from filling appropriation gaps, and Pentagon rules require ethics reviews for gifts over $10,000—details of which remain murky.
Congress, both Democrats and Republicans, is pressing for answers about the donor and how the money will be used, but the White House and Pentagon are passing the buck on who should provide clarity. This comes as the administration already redirected $8 billion from research to cover mid-October payroll, with the next payday looming on October 31. The shutdown, now in its 24th day, hinges on disputes over health care funding.
