WASHINGTON (AP) — The Pentagon confirmed Friday that it has accepted a $130 million anonymous donation to pay military members during the government shutdown, raising ethical questions after President Donald Trump revealed that a friend had offered the donation to cover any shortfalls.
While the gift is enormous and unusual, it represents a miniature contribution to the billions needed to cover military paychecks. The Trump administration told Congress last week that it had spent $6.5 billion on payroll. The next payday is this week and it is unclear whether the government will move money again to ensure the military is not left without compensation.
“That’s what I call a patriot,” Trump said during an event at the White House on Thursday as he disclosed the donor’s payment.
The president declined to name the person he called “a friend of mine,” saying the man did not want the recognition.
The Pentagon confirmed that it accepted the donation on Thursday “under its general authority to accept gifts.”
“The donation was made on the condition that it be used to offset the cost of salaries and benefits for military personnel,” said Sean Parnell, chief Pentagon spokesman. “We are grateful for this donor’s support after Democrats voted to withhold pay from troops.”
Congress is in a stalemate over the government shutdown, now in its 24th day, which could become one of the longest federal shutdowns ever. Neither Republicans, who control the House and Senate, nor Democrats, who are in the minority, are willing to budge in their broader fight over health care funding.
Military pay is a key concern and policy lever for lawmakers in both parties. The Trump administration last week shifted $8 billion from military research and development funds to payroll to ensure military compensation does not expire.
But it is unclear whether the Trump administration will be willing or able to send money again next week as tensions rise over the lengthy shutdown.
While the $130 million is a significant sum, it would only cover a fraction of the billions needed for military salaries. Trump said the donation was intended to cover any “shortfalls.”
However, the regulations surrounding such a donation are unclear.
“This is crazy,” said Max Stier, president and CEO of the Partnership for Public Service, a nonpartisan organization focused on the federal government.
“It’s about treating payment for our uniformed services like someone picking up your bar bill.”
He questioned the legality of the donation and called for more transparency.
The Pentagon guidelines state that agencies “shall consult with their appropriate ethics officer before accepting any such gift valued at more than $10,000 to determine whether the donor is involved in any claims, procurement claims, litigation, or other special matters affecting the Department that must be considered prior to accepting the gift.”
