WASHINGTON, Oct 25, 2025 (AP) โ The Pentagon has officially confirmed receiving an anonymous $130 million donation aimed at helping pay U.S. military personnel during the ongoing government shutdown. The move, though generous, has sparked intense ethical and legal debate, especially after former President Donald Trump revealed that a โfriendโ had made the contribution to prevent any delay in military salaries.
While the donation represents a significant sum, it barely makes a dent in the billions required to sustain military paychecks. Last week, the Trump administration informed Congress that it had already allocated $6.5 billion to cover payroll. With the next payday just around the corner, it remains uncertain whether similar financial adjustments will be made to ensure that service members continue to receive their compensation without interruption.
โThatโs what I call a patriot,โ Trump remarked during a White House event on Thursday, praising the unnamed donor. He declined to reveal the personโs identity, saying the individual preferred to remain anonymous.
According to Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell, the department accepted the donation under its general gift acceptance authority, specifying that the funds were to be used exclusively to offset the cost of service membersโ salaries and benefits.
โWe are grateful for this donorโs assistance after Democrats opted to withhold pay from troops,โ Parnell added.
Funding Concerns Amid Political Deadlock
The U.S. government shutdown, now stretching into its 24th day, is poised to become one of the longest in American history. Congress remains at an impasse, with Republicans and Democrats unable to reach an agreement over healthcare funding and other key budget issues.
Both parties, however, acknowledge that ensuring military payment remains a top priority. Last week, the administration temporarily redirected $8 billion from military research and development funds to cover service membersโ pay. Whether such maneuvers can be repeated next week remains uncertain as political tensions continue to escalate.
Although the $130 million Pentagon donation is being hailed by some as a symbol of patriotism, experts are questioning its legality and transparency.
Questions Over Legality and Ethics
Government accountability advocates have raised concerns about the legitimacy and ethics of accepting such a massive private donation to fund government operations.
โThatโs crazy,โ said Max Stier, president and CEO of the Partnership for Public Service, a nonpartisan organization that monitors government performance. โItโs treating the payment of our uniformed services as if someoneโs picking up your bar tab.โ
Pentagon policy requires that before accepting any gift exceeding $10,000, officials must consult with an Ethics Officer to ensure that the donor has no ongoing or potential business dealings with the Department of Defense that could influence decision-making. It remains unclear whether such vetting occurred in this case.
Broader Implications of the Pentagon Donation
While the anonymous $130 million gift has temporarily eased financial strain on the Pentagon, it highlights the broader consequences of the ongoing federal shutdown. As more government employees face layoffs and furloughs, the gesture raises uncomfortable questions about private citizens filling gaps left by political gridlock.
The Pentagon donation controversy underscores a growing concern among policymakers and citizens alike โ whether private wealth should play any role in sustaining essential government operations, especially those tied to national defense.
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