Pentagon Accepts $130 Million Anonymous Donation and Uses R&D Funds to Pay Troops Amid Shutdown
The Pentagon accepted a $130 million anonymous donation, reportedly from a Trump ally, and used R&D funds to cover military pay during the prolonged government shutdown.
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Overview
- The Pentagon accepted an anonymous $130 million donation to help cover active-duty troops' salaries and benefits during the ongoing government shutdown, one of the longest in U.S. history.
- One source identified the anonymous donor as an ally of President Donald Trump, with the donation specifically conditioned to offset service members' pay.
- Alongside the donation, the Pentagon utilized unobligated research and development funds to ensure mid-month paychecks were issued to active-duty military personnel.
- Lawmakers from both parties have expressed significant concern over military members' payment, viewing it as a critical point of political leverage in shutdown negotiations.
- Pentagon regulations mandate consultation with Ethics Officials for any donations exceeding $10,000 intended for troops or their families, underscoring oversight.
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Analysis
Center-leaning sources frame this story by immediately highlighting the controversial nature of the anonymous $130 million donation to the Pentagon. They emphasize the "ethical questions" and "legal concerns" surrounding this "dramatic break" from standard government funding. The collective coverage prioritizes scrutiny of the donation's propriety and transparency, often juxtaposing it with the administration's justification.
"The move marks a dramatic break from the government's process to fund the military, which relies on federal dollars appropriated by Congress."
USA TODAY"The $130 million donation, however, will hardly make a dent in the billions of dollars the government spends every two weeks to cover troops’ pay and benefits."
NBC News"While large and unusual, the gift amounts to a small contribution toward the billions needed to cover service member paychecks."
Military Times"While large and unusual, the gift amounts to a small contribution toward the billions needed to cover service member paychecks."
Associated PressArticles (6)
Center (4)
FAQ
The donor of the $130 million remains anonymous, with President Trump declining to name the person who offered the gift.
The main legal hurdle is that Congress must appropriate funds for federal employee salaries, including military personnel. The Pentagon can accept general donations, but Congressional approval is required to use them for salaries.
The government shutdown had lasted for 45 days as of the time of the report, making it one of the longest in U.S. history.
History
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