Who Is Timothy Mellon? Trump’s Billionaire Friend Behind the $130 Million Donation for US Troops

Timothy Mellon, a reclusive billionaire and longtime supporter of former US President Donald Trump, has been identified as the private donor who contributed $130 million to the federal government to pay US military salaries during the ongoing government shutdown. His identity was confirmed after Trump referred to him as “a patriot” and “a friend,” declining to publicly name him during a press event at the White House.

The Pentagon confirmed receiving the unprecedented donation under its “general gift acceptance authority,” a rule that allows it to accept voluntary contributions. The New York Times later reported that the donor was none other than Timothy Mellon — heir to one of America’s most influential and wealthiest families.

The Life and Legacy of Timothy Mellon

Timothy Mellon is the grandson of Andrew W. Mellon, who served as US Treasury Secretary from 1921 to 1932 and built a business empire spanning banking, oil, and railroads. The Mellon family remains among the richest in the country, with Forbes estimating its collective fortune at around $14 billion.

Despite this legacy, Timothy Mellon himself has maintained a low public profile. He is known to live primarily in Wyoming and manages portions of the family’s railroad and investment businesses. He has often avoided interviews and public appearances, preferring privacy even while making massive political contributions.

In recent years, Mellon has emerged as a major financial backer of conservative politics. According to The New York Times and OpenSecrets, he donated approximately $50 million in 2024 to a super PAC supporting Trump — one of the largest single political donations ever disclosed. His contributions to Republican campaigns have totaled hundreds of millions of dollars over the past decade.

Donation Sparks Debate Amid Shutdown and Legal Questions

The Pentagon’s acceptance of Mellon’s $130 million donation has drawn both praise and concern. While many lauded the act as a patriotic gesture to support soldiers’ livelihoods during the shutdown, legal experts warned that the move could conflict with the Antideficiency Act — a federal law preventing government spending beyond congressional approval.

Sean Parnell, the Pentagon’s chief spokesperson, confirmed that the donation would directly aid military pay and benefits. However, watchdog groups and some lawmakers have urged further review of whether private donations to fund federal salaries set a dangerous precedent.

Analysts point out that while the amount is extraordinary for an individual gift, it remains relatively small in the context of the US military’s annual payroll, which exceeds $600 billion. Still, the symbolic impact is significant, especially given the political implications of a billionaire donor stepping in where Congress has stalled.

In summary, Timothy Mellon’s massive donation underscores both his personal wealth and his enduring influence within US conservative circles — a blend of private power and patriotic identity that continues to spark debate in Washington.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: Who is Timothy Mellon?

Timothy Mellon is a billionaire heir to the Mellon banking and railroad fortune and the grandson of former Treasury Secretary Andrew W. Mellon.

Q2: How much did Timothy Mellon donate to the US military?

He donated $130 million to help pay military salaries and benefits during the ongoing government shutdown.

Q3: Why is his donation controversial?

Legal experts say it could raise issues under the Antideficiency Act, which restricts federal agencies from spending beyond congressional limits.

Q4: Has Timothy Mellon supported Trump before?

Yes. Mellon has donated tens of millions of dollars to Trump’s campaigns and Republican political groups since 2020.

Q5: Where does Timothy Mellon live?

He is known to reside primarily in Wyoming, maintaining a private life away from media attention.

References

The New York Times. (2025). “Trump ally Timothy Mellon identified as $130 million donor during shutdown.” Oct 25, 2025.

BBC News. (2025). “Pentagon confirms private $130m donation accepted to fund troop pay.” Oct 25, 2025.

Reuters. (2025). “Trump calls donor a ‘patriot’ after anonymous $130m contribution revealed.” Oct 25, 2025.