Pentagon Accepts $130 Million Donation to Pay Troops | Military.com
Category: News & Politics
Via: vic-eldred • last year • 7 commentsBy: Darius Radzius (Military. com)
S E E D E D C O N T E N T
The Pentagon says it's taking help from an anonymous donor to keep troops paid as the government shutdown drags on.
The surprise move highlights how deep the shutdown's impact has reached — forcing the Defense Department to lean on private money to help cover military pay. It's an unprecedented step raising questions about transparency, legality, and what happens when those funds run out.
Chief Pentagon Spokesman Sean Parnell confirmed to Military.com the Department of Defense accepted a $130 million donation on October 23 under its general gift authority. He says the money will go toward offsetting the cost of service members' salaries and benefits.
"We are grateful for this donor's assistance after Democrats opted to withhold pay from troops," Parnell said in a statement.
The Pentagon isn't saying who gave the money or exactly how the funds will be applied to troop pay, but officials confirm it's meant to help offset salaries and benefits.
President Donald Trump speaks during a Homeland Security Task Force roundtable at the White House on October 23, 2025. (White House)
Trump Announces Donation at White House Event
During a Homeland Security Task Force roundtable at the White House Thursday, President Donald Trump told reporters that a longtime friend had stepped forward with a major contribution.
"A friend of mine … said, I'd like to contribute any shortfall you have because of the Democrat shutdown," Trump said. "He sent us a check for $130 million … he doesn't really want the recognition … but that's what I call a patriot."
Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth speaks the Homeland Security Task Force roundtable at the White House on October 23, 2025. (White House)
Clock Ticking on Troop Pay
Congress still hasn't passed a funding bill to guarantee troop pay during the shutdown. The administration has already shifted billions from research and development accounts just to keep checks going out.
For now, the Pentagon says it's grateful — but the clock is ticking. The next round of military pay is due soon, and it's unclear what happens when that $130 million runs out.
This is a developing story. Military.com will update this report as more information becomes available.
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Chuck & Hakeem, you just got screwed.
Oh, goodie. Now the military has become private mercenaries.
I agree shit-face Schumer and two-face Jefferies are responsible for the shutdown. Seems like the only thing Democrats have been able to do is take hostages ever since Al Gore couldn't find enough hanging chads.
But Democrats' stupidity doesn't excuse Trump allowing the US military to become private mercenaries. The deal making genius seems to always need an enormous amount of charity. Trump can't seem to make any money but he sure knows how to spend it. Does that make Trump MAGA or is that TEA Party?
Wonder what the quid pro quo is for writing a $130 million check.
Trump could be pimping First Ladies now that we know what kind of respect Trump has for First Ladies.
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Their leverage was military families suffering.
Thank you to the patriot who stepped up.