A mystery donor has emerged, revealing that the $130 million intended to support the U.S. military during the ongoing government shutdown is attributed to Timothy Mellon, a prominent heir from a renowned Gilded Age family. According to a report by The New York Times on Saturday, this information has been confirmed by two individuals familiar with the matter.
While the intention behind Mellon’s generous donation is commendable, the financial breakdown reveals that it equates to approximately $100 for each service member. This amount is minimal considering the scale of military operations and the ongoing expenses incurred during the shutdown. As the report highlights, the donation may also present legal complications.
When former President Donald Trump announced the donation at the White House on Thursday, he refrained from disclosing the donor's identity, referring to him simply as a "patriot and friend of mine." However, according to The New York Times, Mellon's contribution risks violating the Antideficiency Act. This law prohibits federal agencies from spending funds that have not been appropriated by Congress, raising questions about the legality of using this donation to cover military salaries and benefits during the shutdown.
The $130 million donation is unlikely to significantly alleviate the financial burden of military pay during the government shutdown. The U.S. active-duty military comprises over 1.3 million troops, and the Trump administration's budget request for 2025 indicated a need for approximately $600 billion in military compensation. This context underscores the limited impact of Mellon’s donation on the overall military funding landscape.
Timothy Mellon, a businessman with deep banking roots, has a history of supporting political causes. He is known as a longstanding donor to Trump, having contributed a remarkable $50 million to a super PAC favoring the president's reelection in 2024. This donation is noted as one of the largest single contributions publicly recorded, highlighting Mellon's significant influence in political fundraising.
Additionally, Mellon is the grandson of former Treasury Secretary Andrew Mellon, further entrenching him in a lineage of financial prominence and political connections. For a complete understanding of this situation, you can read the full report by The New York Times here.
