Timothy Mellon, the reclusive billionaire known for his quiet but significant political contributions, has been identified as the secret donor who gave $130 million to help pay U.S. troops during the recent government shutdown, according to a new report.
Sources familiar with the matter told reporters that Mellon, a longtime financial supporter of President Trump and Republican causes, made the extraordinary contribution earlier this month through an emergency relief foundation set up to ensure military personnel continued receiving pay amid the budget impasse.
The donation helped cover salary shortfalls for tens of thousands of service members who would have otherwise gone unpaid as negotiations in Congress stalled over the federal spending bill. Officials confirmed the funds were processed quickly through a temporary mechanism coordinated with the Treasury and the Defense Department.
Mellon, heir to the banking fortune and known for shunning publicity, has not commented publicly on the report. Those close to him described the gift as an act of patriotism rather than politics. “He wanted to make sure the men and women in uniform didn’t bear the brunt of Washington’s gridlock,” one associate said.
The White House has not denied Mellon’s involvement. In a brief statement, a spokesperson thanked private citizens who “stepped up in support of America’s armed forces during a difficult period.”
The move has drawn both praise and criticism supporters applauding the generosity and opponents arguing that it underscores the consequences of political brinkmanship affecting essential government functions.
