Amid a government shutdown and looming payroll crisis, the U.S. military will receive an unexpected lifeline: President Donald Trump revealed that an undisclosed private donor contributed $130 million to ensure active-duty personnel continue to receive their salaries. Legal experts, however, caution that the move may breach federal spending rules and fails to address long-term funding needs.

Private Donation Covers Salaries

During an event at the White House, President Trump described the anonymous contributor as a “patriot” and “close friend,” though he declined to reveal their identity. The donation will be funneled through the Pentagon to cover military pay and benefits.

Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell stated, “The gift was accepted under the Department of Defense’s general gift acceptance authority and is intended to offset costs associated with service members’ salaries and entitlements.”

Legal Concerns and Temporary Relief

Legal analysts warn that federal law prohibits agencies from spending funds beyond Congressional appropriations or accepting voluntary donations to cover operational costs. Critics argue that relying on private contributions sets a concerning precedent and does not solve the systemic budgetary shortfall caused by the government shutdown.

Despite the donation, the Congressional Budget Office notes that the Pentagon requested roughly $600 billion in military pay and compensation for 2025. By comparison, the $130 million contribution amounts to only about $100 per service member, underscoring the temporary and limited impact of the measure.

Previous Temporary Measures

Earlier this month, President Trump issued an executive order authorizing the Pentagon to use unspent research and development funds to pay service members during the shutdown. House Speaker Mike Johnson and other lawmakers emphasized that such measures are stopgap solutions, warning that without new appropriations legislation, military personnel may soon face unpaid salaries.