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Senator Murphy: Trump's Donation Risks Constitutional Violation

10/28/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) accused U.S. President Donald Trump of wielding "king-like powers" by accepting a $130 million donation from Timothy Mellon to pay troops during the shutdown.
The legality of Mellon's donation is unclear and could violate the U.S. Constitution's appropriations clause and the Antideficiency Act.
Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell confirmed the donation aimed to cover service members' salaries, but its distribution remains uncertain.

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Story summary

Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) accused U.S. President Donald Trump of wielding "king-like powers" by accepting a $130 million donation from Timothy Mellon to pay troops during the shutdown.
The legality of Mellon's donation is unclear and could violate the U.S. Constitution's appropriations clause and the Antideficiency Act.
Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell confirmed the donation aimed to cover service members' salaries, but its distribution remains uncertain.