US President Donald Trump has revealed a wealthy private donor has pledged $130 million to help cover potential shortfalls in military pay caused by the ongoing “Democrat” shutdown.
Speaking at a White House event on Thursday, Trump praised the donor as a patriot and a “friend of mine,” but declined to name him.
“He called us the other day and said, ‘I’d like to contribute any shortfall you have because of the Democrat shutdown… because I love the military and I love the country,’” Trump said.
The administration is under pressure to ensure active-duty service members continue receiving pay despite the budget impasse.
Trump has already signed an executive order directing the Pentagon to repurpose unused research funds to cover salaries.
House Speaker Mike Johnson has called the funding shift a temporary fix and warned troops could soon miss paychecks if Congress fails to pass a budget.
The US government has been partially shut down since October 1, with lawmakers deadlocked over a new budget and clashing over healthcare subsidies.
