Pentagon accepts $130 million donation to help pay the military during
the government shutdown
[October 25, 2025]
By KONSTANTIN TOROPIN and LISA MASCARO
WASHINGTON (AP) — The Pentagon confirmed Friday that it has accepted an
anonymous $130 million gift to help pay members of the military during
the government shutdown, raising ethical questions after President
Donald Trump had announced that a friend had offered the gift to defray
any shortfalls.
While large and unusual, the gift amounts to a small contribution toward
the billions needed to cover service member paychecks. The Trump
administration told Congress last week that it used $6.5 billion to make
payroll. The next payday is coming within the week, and it is unclear if
the administration will again move money around to ensure the military
does not go without compensation.
“That’s what I call a patriot,” Trump said during a White House event
Thursday when he disclosed the payment from the donor.
The president declined to name the person, whom he called “a friend of
mine,” saying the man didn't want the recognition.
The Pentagon confirmed it had accepted the donation on Thursday “under
its general gift acceptance authority.”
“The donation was made on the condition that it be used to offset the
cost of Service members’ salaries and benefits,” said Sean Parnell,
chief spokesman for the Pentagon. “We are grateful for this donor’s
assistance after Democrats opted to withhold pay from troops.”
Congress is at a stalemate over the government shutdown, now on track to
become one of the longest federal closures ever, in its 24th day.
Neither Republicans, who have control of the House and Senate, nor
Democrats, in the minority, are willing to budge in their broader
standoff over health care funding.
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Payment for service members is a key concern among lawmakers of both
parties as well as a point of political leverage. The Trump
administration shifted $8 billion from military research and
development funds to make payroll last week, ensuring that military
compensation did not lapse.
But it is unclear if the Trump administration will be willing — or
able — to shift money again next week as tensions rise over the
protracted shutdown.
While the $130 million is a hefty sum, it would cover just a
fraction of the billions needed for military paychecks. Trump said
the donation was to cover any “shortfall.”
What's unclear, however, is the regulations around such a donation.
“That’s crazy,” said Max Stier, president and CEO of the Partnership
for Public Service, a nonpartisan organization focused on the
federal government.
“It's treating the payment of our uniformed services as if someone's
picking up your bar tab.”
He questioned the legality of the donation and called for more
transparency around it.
Pentagon policy says authorities “must consult with their
appropriate Ethics Official before accepting such a gift valued in
excess of $10,000 to determine whether the donor is involved in any
claims, procurement actions, litigation, or other particular matters
involving the Department that must be considered prior to gift
acceptance.”
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