Reclusive Billionaire Timothy Mellon Donates $130 Million to Support US Troops Amid Shutdown

A mysterious $130 million donation to support US military salaries has been sourced. The donor is billionaire Timothy Mellon. He is a major Republican donor and an heir to the historic Mellon banking fortune. The gift was confirmed amid an ongoing federal shutdown.The New York Times first reported Mellon’s identity. The donation was made to help cover costs for service members’ pay and benefits. This act provides critical financial support during a period of governmental strain.

Trump Hails Donor as a “Great American Patriot”

Former President Donald Trump initially announced the massive gift. He praised the anonymous donor as a “patriot” and a “great American.” Trump noted the donor’s unusual desire to avoid publicity in the political world.The Pentagon accepted the funds under its general gift authority. A spokesperson confirmed the money’s specific purpose. It is designated to offset the costs of military salaries and benefits directly.

Timothy Mellon’s History as a Major Political Donor

Timothy Mellon is a well-known figure in campaign finance. He has donated over $165 million in the current election cycle. OpenSecrets data shows his contributions primarily support Republican causes and candidates.He gave $125 million to a pro-Trump Super PAC. He has also funded Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s anti-vaccine organization. His political spending has increased dramatically since Trump’s first campaign.Mellon has a history of funding controversial projects. He donated $53 million to Texas Governor Greg Abbott in 2021. That money was specifically for constructing a border wall with Mexico.

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The Mellon Family Legacy and Fortune

Timothy Mellon is the grandson of Andrew Mellon. His grandfather was a Gilded Age industrialist and a former U.S. Treasury Secretary. The Mellon family built its wealth through banking and early-stage investments.The family’s aggregate net worth is estimated at $14 billion by Forbes. They remain one of the wealthiest families in America. Timothy Mellon’s personal wealth is estimated to be in the billions.

The $130 million donation from Timothy Mellon underscores the profound impact private wealth can have on public institutions during a crisis, setting a significant precedent for future government operations.

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Who is Timothy Mellon?

Timothy Mellon is a reclusive billionaire and heir to the Mellon banking fortune. He is a major donor to Republican political causes and candidates, including Donald Trump.

Why did he donate $130 million?

The donation was made to offset the cost of US military salaries and benefits during an ongoing federal shutdown. The Pentagon accepted the gift under its general authority.

Is this the largest political donation?

While not a direct campaign donation, this is an exceptionally large private gift to the government. Mellon has also been the largest contributor to outside political spending groups recently.

What is the Mellon family’s net worth?

Forbes estimates the Mellon family’s collective wealth at around $14 billion. Timothy Mellon’s personal fortune is estimated to be between $700 million and $4 billion.

What did Andrew Mellon do?

Andrew Mellon was Timothy’s grandfather. He was a powerful industrialist, banker, and served as the U.S. Treasury Secretary from 1921 to 1932, where he cut taxes for the wealthy.