An unnamed donor has pledged $130 million (£100 million) to the Pentagon to cover US service members’ salaries during the ongoing government shutdown, raising ethics concerns. President Trump confirmed the gift, saying it will help pay the country’s 1.32 million troops, but declined to reveal the donor’s identity. He described the donor as a US citizen, a “great gentleman” and a “big supporter” who “doesn’t want publicity.”

The US government has been shut down for 25 days after lawmakers failed to pass a funding deal. Last week, the Trump administration temporarily paid troops by shifting $8 billion from military research, but the next payday on 31 October remains uncertain.

Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell said the donation must be used specifically for salaries and benefits and was accepted under the department’s “general gift acceptance authority.” According to Pentagon rules, donations above $10,000 undergo ethics review to ensure the donor is not involved in procurement, litigation, or other matters affecting the department. Donations from non-US citizens receive extra scrutiny.

While the Pentagon occasionally accepts gifts, these are usually for schools, hospitals, or other specific projects—not general salaries. Critics, including Delaware Senator Chris Coons, have questioned the practice, warning that anonymous donations to the military could pose risks of influence or foreign interference.

The funds amount to roughly $100 per service member, providing temporary relief but leaving uncertainty about future paychecks if the shutdown continues.