Story perspectives

Billionaire Timothy Mellon Donates $130M to Pentagon Amid Shutdown

10/28/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Timothy Mellon, a billionaire and key Trump supporter, is confirmed as the anonymous donor of $130 million to the Pentagon for military salaries during the shutdown.
United States President Donald Trump praised Mellon as a ‘patriot’.
The Pentagon accepted the gift under its gift acceptance authority, raising concerns about potential Antideficiency Act violations.
Mellon shifted from liberal views to supporting Trump, having donated $50 million to a Trump-supporting super PAC.

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Story summary

Timothy Mellon, a billionaire and key Trump supporter, is confirmed as the anonymous donor of $130 million to the Pentagon for military salaries during the shutdown.
United States President Donald Trump praised Mellon as a ‘patriot’.
The Pentagon accepted the gift under its gift acceptance authority, raising concerns about potential Antideficiency Act violations.
Mellon shifted from liberal views to supporting Trump, having donated $50 million to a Trump-supporting super PAC.