Pentagon Accepts $130 Million Donation to Pay Troops

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.

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."

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.