Anna Hartz
Billionaire Trump Supporter Donated $130 Million to Keep U.S. Troops Paid. Now he has been identified.
In times of crisis, surprising figures often step forward. During the recent U.S. government shutdown, a mysterious donation to the Pentagon sparked both gratitude and questions.
The $130 million gift was meant to ensure soldiers kept receiving their paychecks while Washington remained gridlocked. Now, the man behind the money has been identified.
Donor Has Been Identified
The donor is Timothy Mellon, a billionaire banking heir and longtime supporter of Donald Trump, reveals Digi24.
Fox News confirmed his identity after Trump himself referred to the donor only as a “patriot” and “a great American citizen.”
Trump had announced the donation last Thursday but refused to reveal the name, saying his friend “didn’t want publicity.” The mystery did not last long.
A Generous Supporter
Mellon, 81, is the grandson of Andrew W. Mellon, a former U.S. Treasury Secretary and one of America’s most famous financiers.
He built much of his wealth through railroads and investments. In recent years, he has become one of Trump’s most generous backers.
Last year, he gave $50 million to a pro-Trump political action committee, one of the largest single donations in U.S. political history.
Going Toward Salaries
The $130 million donation is meant to temporarily cover military salaries. However, experts say it only amounts to about $100 for each active service member.
The Pentagon confirmed it had accepted the donation, saying it fell under its authority to receive private funds for specific uses. The money will go toward salaries and benefits, but the arrangement has raised legal questions.
Has the Pentagon Overstepped its Authority?
According to The New York Times, the Budget Deficit Act may prohibit such contributions if they allow the government to spend beyond approved limits.
Legal experts are already debating whether the Pentagon overstepped its authority.
An Autobiography
In his 2015 autobiography, he described himself as a former liberal who moved from Connecticut to Wyoming seeking lower taxes and a quieter life. He has also funded Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s past campaigns and causes.
Whether the donation will stand or face legal challenges remains to be seen. But one thing is clear: Timothy Mellon’s check has added a new twist to the ongoing political drama in Washington.
This article is made and published by Anna Hartz, which may have used AI in the preparation
