Trump backer Timothy Mellon identified as donor of $130m for US troop pay during government shutdown

Reclusive billionaire Timothy Mellon, an anti-tax crusader and major Trump backer, has been identified by the New York Times as the anonymous donor behind a $130m gift to help pay US troops during the fourth week of a federal shutdown. Trump praised the “friend” but withheld his name. The Pentagon said it accepted the donation under its general gift authority and that the money would offset service members’ pay and benefits. The move, roughly $100 per service member, may violate the Antideficiency Act, which carries administrative and criminal penalties. Mellon has poured significant sums into pro-Trump efforts.

Reviewed by JQJO team

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