Full Breakdown
Timothy Mellon Donates $5.5 Million Connecticut Estate to Anti-Vaccine Group Children’s Health Defense
6/3/2026, 1:20:32 AM
Core Transfer Details
In August 2025, Timothy Mellon transferred two adjacent parcels in Lyme, Connecticut—100-7 Joshuatown Road and 62 Joshua Lane—comprising roughly 300 acres at the confluence of the Connecticut and Eightmile Rivers, to the anti-vaccine advocacy group Children’s Health Defense (CHD). The transfer, not previously reported, involved land appraised at $5.5 million that includes a pool, tennis court and several buildings, but recorded a $0 sale price. Under the deed, Mellon agreed to fund improvements and ongoing maintenance through Clipper Properties and retained access to a family cemetery.
Donor Background and Political Ties
Timothy Mellon, 83, is the grandson of former Treasury Secretary Andrew W. Mellon and heir to the Mellon banking empire. He has been a major financial backer of Donald Trump’s 2024 campaign, giving a one-time $50 million gift to a Trump-supporting political action committee and pledging $130 million to keep military payroll funded during a 2024 government shutdown. Mellon also contributed to Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s 2024 presidential bid and to the anti-vaccine organization CHD, which Kennedy founded before becoming health secretary. In his 2014 autobiography, Mellon expressed a preference for supporting causes he believed would endure.
Official Reactions
When contacted, Mellon replied by text that the donation was “none of the paper’s business” and declined further comment. Children’s Health Defense and its president Mary Holland did not respond to requests for comment on the transfer. Former President Donald Trump praised Mellon, calling him “a great gentleman” and “a great patriot” while noting the $130 million military contribution.
Criticism and Unanswered Questions
The undisclosed purpose of the 300-acre estate has raised eyebrows, as CHD is an anti-vaccine group founded by Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Observers note the lack of transparency about how the land will be used and express concern over the influence of a billionaire donor on public-health advocacy. No public statement clarifies whether the property will support CHD’s anti-vaccine campaigns, research, or other activities.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I will not make such a contribution to groups like the Nature Conservancy or Sierra Club because I have little confidence that they, unlike say the state of Connecticut, will be around forever,” — Timothy Mellon, 2014 autobiography
- “He’s a great gentleman,” — Donald Trump, former President
- “He’s a great patriot.” — Donald Trump, former President
- “He’s a great patriot. He’s obviously a very substantial man, and he contributed $130 million toward the military in order to make up any difference. So he wanted to see the military get paid.” — Donald Trump, former President
Future Developments
As of the latest reporting, neither Children’s Health Defense nor Timothy Mellon has provided additional details about the estate’s intended use or any further contributions related to the donation.
