While Democrats keep the government in shutdown mode, hardworking U.S. troops and other federal workers are at risk of not receiving their paychecks, but luckily, President Donald Trump is working overtime to change that.
According to the New York Post, the president dropped a bombshell this week about an anonymous $130 million donation to the Pentagon from a "friend" of President Trump to help offset the costs of paying the troops during the shutdown.
The Pentagon confirmed the donation, saying it received it through its "general gift acceptance authority."
President Trump was able to find unused research and development funds to make sure that troops were paid during their Oct. 15 pay period.
Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell released a statement regarding the staggering donation.
“On Oct. 23, 2025, the Department of War accepted an anonymous donation of $130 million under its general gift acceptance authority,” Parnell said.
He added, "The donation was made on the condition that it be used to offset the cost of service members’ salaries and benefits. We are grateful for this donor’s assistance after Democrats opted to withhold pay from troops."
The Pentagon confirmed Friday it has accepted an anonymous $130 million donation to help pay troops if the government shutdown continues — a bill expected to cost some $6.8 billion in total. https://t.co/4IhkbSx3wO pic.twitter.com/gPIhUaLDXp
— ABC News (@ABC) October 25, 2025
Some legal experts have expressed concerns that the administration might not be legally able to use the money to pay troops, at least without congressional authorization.
"The department is welcome to acknowledge this donor’s intent, but that does not change the legal restrictions on Congress needing to appropriate funds to pay military salaries," said Romina Boccia, director of budget and entitlement policy at the libertarian Cato Institute.
While the number is staggering for most, it still won't cover nearly enough to ensure all troops get paid.
Reportedly, it takes about $6.5 billion per pay period to get members of the military their paychecks, so $130 million, compared to that number, is only good for about one-third of a day's pay, surprisingly.
Still, the gesture is amazing and it simply highlights how stubborn and goofy Democrats are being in refusing to open up the government so our troops get what's rightfully theirs.
It'll be interesting to see if any additional private donors come forward to help offset costs.
