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The New York Times identified the mystery donor behind a $130 million offer to cover U.S. troops’ pay during the shutdown as Timothy Mellon, a banking heir and longtime Trump donor, citing two people familiar with the matter. Announced by President Donald Trump, who called the donor a "patriot" but did not name him, the gift may violate the Antideficiency Act and would amount to $100 per service member. With more than 1.3 million active-duty troops and about $600 billion sought for 2025 compensation, the donation’s impact appears limited. Mellon gave $50 million to a super PAC in 2024.

Prepared by Lauren Mitchell and reviewed by editorial team.