Billionaire Timothy Mellon’s $130 Million Donation Aids US Troops Amid Shutdown

A reclusive billionaire has given a massive donation to support US troops. Timothy Mellon donated $130 million to the federal government. The funds are intended to pay military salaries during the ongoing government shutdown. The donation was announced by President Donald Trump.

Trump described Mellon as a “patriot” and a friend. The donor’s identity was initially kept confidential. According to The New York Times, Mellon prefers to avoid public attention. Trump called the act unusual for its lack of demand for recognition.

Who Is The Man Behind The Money?

Timothy Mellon is an heir to the historic Mellon banking fortune. He is the grandson of Andrew W. Mellon, a former US Treasury Secretary. Despite his immense wealth, Mellon maintains an extremely low public profile. He primarily resides in Wyoming.

His political contributions are substantial and well-documented. In 2024, he gave $50 million to a super PAC supporting Trump. This was one of the largest publicly reported single contributions ever. His support is not exclusive to one candidate. Mellon has also donated millions to Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s presidential campaign and his anti-vaccine group.

Legal Scrutiny and Military Impact

The Pentagon confirmed it accepted the donation. Officials will use it for service members’ salaries and benefits. The acceptance was made under the “general gift acceptance authority.” However, the generous act is not without potential legal complications.

Legal experts suggest it might violate the Antideficiency Act. This law prevents federal agencies from spending beyond congressional approvals. Despite the large headline figure, the donation’s practical impact is limited. It amounts to roughly $100 per active-duty service member against an annual military pay budget of $600 billion.

The $130 million Timothy Mellon donation provides critical short-term relief for troops. Its long-term implications for political and military funding remain a subject of intense debate.

Thought you’d like to know

Who is Timothy Mellon?

He is a billionaire heir to the Mellon banking and railroad fortune. He is the grandson of former US Treasury Secretary Andrew W. Mellon. Mellon is known for his reclusive nature and significant political donations.

How much did he donate to the US military?

Timothy Mellon donated $130 million to the federal government. The funds are specifically designated to pay military salaries and benefits. This occurred during a government shutdown when congressional funding was stalled.

Is Timothy Mellon’s donation legal?

The Pentagon has accepted the donation under its general gift authority. However, some legal experts argue it could violate the Antideficiency Act. This law restricts federal spending without congressional approval.

What other political causes does he support?

Beyond supporting Donald Trump, he has donated to Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s campaign. He has also given money to Kennedy’s anti-vaccine group, Children’s Health Defense. His contributions are among the largest in modern US politics.

Why is this donation significant?

It highlights the role of private wealth in funding core government functions during a crisis. The act is unprecedented in its scale and purpose. It raises important questions about the relationship between private money and public duty.