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The Pentagon announced plans to use a $130 million donation from an anonymous supporter of President Donald Trump to pay military service members amid the ongoing government shutdown. According to Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell, the donation was accepted under the department's "general gift acceptance authority" with the condition that it be used to offset service members' salaries and benefits.
The donation, which was made on Thursday (October 23), comes as the Trump administration seeks ways to ensure military pay despite the budget impasse. President Trump revealed that the donor, described as a "friend," wanted to help cover any shortfall due to the shutdown, expressing love for the military and the country.
However, the legality of using the funds without Congressional approval remains uncertain. Romina Boccia, director of budget and entitlement policy at the Cato Institute, told Fox News that Congress must appropriate funds for federal employees' salaries, including military pay. The military can only accept private donations for specific purposes, such as supporting military schools or aiding wounded service members.
The Trump administration previously used unused Pentagon funds to pay troops earlier in October, but this solution was temporary. The current donation marks a significant departure from traditional government funding methods, which rely on public funds appropriated by Congress. As the shutdown continues, the administration may need Congressional intervention to use the donation legally.