Trump Reveals $130 Million Military Boost from Friend Amid Government Shutdown

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In an unexpected development on Thursday, President Trump revealed that a close acquaintance has made a significant financial contribution to the federal government, amounting to $130 million. This donation aims to mitigate any potential budgetary deficiencies the U.S. military might encounter during the ongoing government shutdown.

During a White House roundtable discussion, the President lauded this act of generosity, describing the benefactor as a “patriot.” He noted the individual’s preference for anonymity when he shared the news.

The conversation about this substantial donation emerged in response to a reporter’s query regarding the financial hardships faced by federal employees due to the congressional deadlock, which has led to portions of the government halting and paycheck delays. While Trump mentioned the multimillion-dollar gift, he did not clarify if it was specifically intended to cover salaries for enlisted service members.

The President shared a quote from the benefactor, who expressed their intention to support the military financially. “I’d like to contribute, personally contribute, any shortfall you have with the military, because I love the military and I love the country. And any shortfall, if there’s a shortfall, I’ll contribute it,” Trump recounted.

“And today, he sent us a check for $130 million,” Trump added.

Annual payroll for the Pentagon totals about $236 billion, according to the Congressional Budget Office.

Earlier this month, Trump directed Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to use all of the Pentagon’s “available funds” to go toward paying military service members during the government shutdown. A department spokesperson told The Hill then that about $8 billion, including research funds, had been identified to use for mid-month paychecks.