Pentagon Accepts Anonymous $130M Gift to Cover Military Pay

The Pentagon confirmed Friday that it has accepted an anonymous $130 million gift to help pay U.S. service members during the ongoing federal government shutdown, after President Donald Trump disclosed at a White House event that a private donor had offered to cover any shortfalls. The president said the donor was a "friend of mine" who did not want public recognition and called the contribution "a patriot."

Pentagon officials said the donation was accepted under the department's general gift acceptance authority and was made on the condition that it be used to offset the cost of service members' salaries and benefits. Sean Parnell, a Pentagon spokesman, said the department was grateful for the assistance and confirmed the funds were designated specifically for military compensation.

Defense leaders and lawmakers have raised concerns about the sustainability and legality of relying on private donations for payroll. Pentagon policy requires officials to consult an appropriate ethics official before accepting gifts valued above $10,000 to determine whether the donor is involved in any claims, procurement actions, litigation, or other matters that could present a conflict of...