President Donald Trump revealed an anonymous donor has pledged to cover any budgetary shortfalls for the U.S. military during the ongoing government shutdown. “A friend of mine, a man who’s great,” Trump said, declining to disclose the individual’s identity. “He called us the other day and said, ‘I’d like to contribute any shortfall you have because of the Democrat shutdown. I’ll personally cover any shortfall with the military. I love the military and the country.’”
The donor reportedly sent a $130 million check, though Trump emphasized the individual “doesn’t really want the recognition.” He stated the funds would be directed to the military.
The administration faces pressure to ensure active-duty service members receive paychecks despite the budget impasse. Trump previously signed an executive order directing the Pentagon to repurpose unused research funds to cover salaries. House Speaker Mike Johnson called the funding shift a temporary measure, warning troops could miss payments if Congress fails to resolve the budget deadlock.
The U.S. federal government has been partially shut down since October 1 as lawmakers remain deadlocked over a new budget, with healthcare subsidies at the center of the dispute. Trump previously claimed a “very wealthy person” offered to cover military payroll shortfalls. The Pentagon’s annual payroll totals approximately $236 billion, according to the Congressional Budget Office.
Earlier this month, Trump ordered Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to use all available Pentagon funds to pay service members during the shutdown. A department spokesperson confirmed about $8 billion, including research funds, had been allocated for mid-month paychecks.