A new twist has emerged in what many called the Pentagon’s mystery. The anonymous donor who gave $130 million to the Pentagon during the ongoing US government shutdown has been identified as billionaire Timothy Mellon, heir to one of America’s wealthiest families and a strong supporter of former President Donald Trump.
The Pentagon’s mystery began when officials confirmed the huge donation meant to ensure that over 1.3 million US service members continued to receive their pay despite the budget impasse. Initially, the donor’s identity was kept secret, sparking widespread speculation across the United States and social media. President Trump had described the benefactor as a “great patriot” who wanted no publicity.
According to a BBC report, the donation will specifically cover shortfalls in military salaries and benefits. Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell stated that the funds were accepted under the department’s general gift acceptance authority, which allows certain contributions under federal law. He added that the donation met all legal and ethical requirements.
The government shutdown, now in its 25th day, resulted from Congress’s failure to approve a funding deal. While the administration temporarily reallocated $8 billion from research programs to support military payrolls, Mellon’s contribution has provided significant relief — but also raised ethical questions about the influence of private money on public institutions.
Timothy Mellon, whose family fortune is estimated at around $15 billion, has a long history of political giving. He previously donated $50 million to pro-Trump groups and over $165 million during the 2024 election cycle to support Donald Trump, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., and other Republican candidates.
Lawmakers, however, are divided over the donation. Senator Chris Coons and others have questioned whether accepting private funds for military salaries could undermine institutional independence.
Despite growing scrutiny, Mellon remains silent. The billionaire, known for his privacy, has rarely spoken publicly and avoids media attention. For now, the Pentagon’s mystery may be solved — but the ethical debate surrounding it is just beginning.
In other news read more about: Pentagon Appoints First Muslim Officer to Lead Iron Dome Defence Program
