Pentagon to use $130 million anonymous donation to pay military personnel

New Delhi, Oct 25: The US Defence Department has confirmed plans to use a $130 million donation from an anonymous ally of President Donald Trump to pay military service members during the ongoing government shutdown.

The contribution was accepted under the Pentagon’s general gift acceptance authority and earmarked to offset the cost of salaries and benefits, reports CNN.

The donation, made outside traditional congressional funding channels, has drawn scrutiny for its legality and transparency. Lawmakers from both parties have sought clarification on the donor’s identity and the basis for accepting private funds to pay government employees. Budget experts have also questioned whether the move violates the Antideficiency Act, which prohibits federal agencies from spending funds beyond congressional appropriations. The Pentagon has described the contribution as anonymous and has not disclosed whether it plans to brief Congress on the details of its use.