Pentagon accepts $130 million donation to help pay military during government shutdown

pentagon It was confirmed Friday that he accepted an undisclosed $130 million gift to help pay members of the military during the government shutdown, raising ethical questions after the president. donald trump had announced that a friend had offered a gift to make up for any shortfall.

While large and unusual, this gift amounts to a small contribution to the billions of dollars needed to cover service member salaries. Trump administration told Congress Last week it used $6.5 billion to make payroll. The next pay day is coming within weeks, and it is unclear whether the administration will transfer funds again to ensure that the military does not go without compensation.

“That’s what I call a patriot,” Trump said during an event. white House The incident occurred on Thursday when he disclosed the payment from the donor.

The President declined to reveal the name of the man he called “my friend”, saying the man did not want to be recognized.

The Pentagon confirmed it accepted the donation “under its normal gift acceptance authority” on Thursday.

“This donation was made on the condition that it be used to offset the cost of service members’ salaries and benefits,” said Sean Parnell, chief Pentagon spokesman. “We are grateful for this donor’s support after Democrats chose to withhold pay from troops.”

Congress is at an impasse over the government shutdown, now in its 24th day on track to become one of the longest federal shutdowns ever. neither republicanNeither of those who control the House and Senate, nor the Democrats in the minority, are willing to budge in their sweeping impasse over health care funding.

Pay for service members is a major concern among lawmakers from both parties, as well as an issue of political expediency. The Trump administration last week transferred $8 billion from military research and development funds to make payroll, ensuring the military doesn’t miss out on compensation.

But it is unclear whether the Trump administration will be willing or able to move funds again next week, as tensions rise over a prolonged shutdown.

While $130 million is a large sum, it will cover only a fraction of the billions needed for military salaries. Trump said the donation was to cover any “shortfall”.

However, it is unclear what the rules are regarding such donations.

Pentagon policy states that officials should “consult with their appropriate ethics officer before accepting such a gift valued at more than $10,000 to determine whether the donor is involved in any claims, procurement operations, litigation, or other special matters involving the Department that should be considered before accepting a gift.”