Billionaire donor Timothy Mellon gives $130 million to the Pentagon to fund U.S. troops during the government shutdown, igniting debate over money and power.
A Billionaire Steps In During America’s Longest Shutdown
In an unprecedented act of private intervention, billionaire heir Timothy Mellon has quietly transferred $130 million to the U.S. Department of Defense to ensure military personnel continue receiving paychecks amid the nation’s longest-ever government shutdown.
The reclusive 83-year-old Timothy Mellon, a descendant of one of America’s oldest banking families and a key financial backer of former President Donald Trump, has effectively stepped into a role usually reserved for Congress—funding the nation’s defense payroll.
President Trump, addressing reporters from the White House, called Mellon a “great gentleman and a big supporter,” though federal sources later confirmed his identity only after widespread speculation.
An anonymous "friend" of President Trump donated $130 million to pay military members during the government shutdown, according to the Pentagon. pic.twitter.com/eZs72Dieu4
— USA TODAY (@USATODAY) October 25, 2025
Who Is Timothy Mellon? The Secretive Heir with Enormous Influence
Born in 1942, Timothy Mellon is the great-grandson of Thomas Mellon, founder of the Mellon banking dynasty that helped finance America’s industrial revolution. Educated at Yale, Timothy Mellon began his career in computing before shifting to railroads, eventually creating a successful freight network across New England.
Known for his aviation passion, Mellon holds over 11,000 flight hours and once revived the Pan Am brand as a regional airline. Today, he divides his time between Wyoming and Florida, avoiding media attention and public appearances.
Despite his low profile, Timothy Mellon has become one of the most influential political donors in modern U.S. history—particularly to conservative causes aligned with Donald Trump’s agenda.
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Timothy Mellon’s Political Transformation
Before 2016, Timothy Mellon made modest political contributions. That changed dramatically after Trump’s entry into politics.
According to Federal Election Commission (FEC) filings:
- 2016: Donated $32,000, mostly to Trump-related campaigns.
- 2020: Contributed $30 million to pro-Trump super PACs.
- 2024: Surpassed $165 million, including $125 million to MAGA Inc., making him Trump’s largest outside donor.
Mellon’s donations extend beyond campaigns. He reportedly funded $53 million to private border wall projects and $5 million to controversial advocacy groups tied to conservative activism.
His 2015 self-published memoir PAN AM Captain offers insight into his ideology—favoring individualism, limited government, and anti-welfare sentiments. The book’s racially charged commentary drew criticism but did not deter his growing influence.
Inside the $130 Million Pentagon Donation
According to defense officials, Timothy Mellon reached out directly to the White House after learning that troops risked missing their second paycheck. Within 48 hours, Mellon’s lawyers coordinated with Pentagon officials to transfer the money through the department’s “general gift authority” clause—an obscure legal provision allowing donations “in the interest of national defense.”
Though Mellon requested anonymity, Trump publicly praised his “friend’s patriotism” during a press briefing.
The donation covers roughly 2% of one military pay cycle, equivalent to a single day’s payroll for 1.3 million active-duty service members.
Legal and Ethical Controversies Surrounding Timothy Mellon’s Donation
Experts say Timothy Mellon’s $130 million contribution has blurred constitutional boundaries between public finance and private influence.
Under Title 10 of the U.S. Code, the Pentagon can accept private gifts, but never before at this scale. Ethics scholars warn that if billionaires can pay soldiers, they might one day fund—or defund—entire defense programs.
“This sets a dangerous precedent,” said Kathleen Clark, a government ethics professor at Washington University. “It undermines congressional authority over national spending.”
Political reactions have split along party lines.
- House Speaker Mike Johnson praised Mellon as “a patriot stepping up while Democrats play politics.”
- Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer rebuked the move, saying: “The solution isn’t oligarchic charity—it’s passing a real budget.”
Timothy Mellon’s History of Quiet Political Power
The Pentagon donation is not Timothy Mellon’s first bold intervention in national affairs. His funding of the We Build the Wall Inc. nonprofit in 2019—led by Steve Bannon—helped construct private border barriers in Texas and New Mexico.
In 2010, Mellon supported Arizona’s controversial SB 1070 immigration law and later financed lawsuits challenging estate taxes. His rail ventures have also benefited from Trump-era deregulation and infrastructure incentives, further cementing his reputation as a financier of conservative priorities.
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Troops React: Gratitude Mixed with Unease
At Fort Liberty, North Carolina, soldiers expressed both relief and discomfort.
“I’m grateful someone cared enough to help,” said Sgt. Maria Delgado, a 12-year Army veteran. “But it shouldn’t take a billionaire to pay my rent. Congress needs to do its job.”
The Pentagon confirmed that Mellon’s funds will sustain troop pay through November 1, while the budget standoff continues on Capitol Hill.
What Happens Next: Can Private Money Replace Public Duty?
The ongoing shutdown shows no signs of resolution. Lawmakers remain divided over border wall funding, while the Pentagon is quietly reviewing whether other private citizens might legally contribute to defense payroll.
Officials close to Timothy Mellon suggest he may consider further contributions if the crisis persists—raising deeper questions about the balance between wealth, democracy, and governance.
As the shutdown drags on, Timothy Mellon’s $130 million act stands as both a lifeline for America’s troops and a warning about the growing role of private money in public institutions.
Conclusion
Timothy Mellon’s donation has once again thrust his name into America’s political and ethical spotlight. What began as a patriotic gesture has evolved into a symbol of how billionaires are increasingly shaping national priorities outside traditional democratic processes.
For the Pentagon, the immediate crisis is averted. For the American public, however, the larger debate about money, power, and governance has only just begun.