Pentagon accepts $130 million donation to pay troops during shutdown
The Pentagon confirmed Friday that it had accepted an anonymous $130 million gift to help pay members of the military during the government shutdown; This raised ethical questions after President Donald Trump revealed that a friend had offered a gift to cover any shortfall.
Although large and unusual, the gift represents a small contribution to the billions of dollars needed to cover military salaries. The Trump administration told Congress last week it was using $6.5 billion to make payroll. The next payday comes later in the week, and it’s unclear whether the administration will move the money again to ensure the military isn’t left without compensation.
“That’s what I call patriotic,” Trump said Thursday as he announced the payment from the donor at a White House event.
The president refused to give the name of the man he called “my friend”, saying he did not want to be identified.
The Pentagon confirmed it accepted the donation Thursday “under its general gift acceptance authority.”
“The donation was made on the condition that it offset the cost of salaries and benefits for Service members,” said Sean Parnell, the Pentagon’s chief spokesman. “We are grateful for this donor’s assistance after Democrats chose to cut soldiers’ pay.”
Congress is deadlocked on the government shutdown, and in its 24th day, it is on track to become one of the longest federal shutdowns ever. Neither Republicans in control of the House and Senate nor the minority Democrats are willing to compromise on broader views on health care funding.
Payments to service members are a major concern among lawmakers of both parties, as well as a political leverage point. The Trump administration last week shifted $8 billion from military research and development funds to make payroll, ensuring military compensation would not expire.
But it’s unclear whether the Trump administration will be willing or able to shift money again next week as tensions mount over the prolonged shutdown.
While $130 million is a huge sum, it would only cover a small fraction of the billions needed for military paychecks. Trump said the donation was to cover any “deficiencies.”
What is unclear, however, are the regulations surrounding such a donation.
Pentagon policy says officials “should consult with the appropriate Ethics Officer before accepting any such gift valued at more than $10,000 to determine whether the donor is involved in any claims, purchases, litigation, or other specific matters involving the Department that require consideration prior to acceptance of the gift.”
