Timothy Mellon, a reclusive billionaire and significant supporter of former President Donald Trump, has been identified as the anonymous donor who contributed $130 million to the US government to assist in funding military salaries during a government shutdown. This revelation comes after Trump announced the donation last week, describing the benefactor only as a “patriot” and a friend.
The identities of the donor remained undisclosed until two individuals familiar with the matter confirmed Mellon’s involvement. Speaking on the condition of anonymity due to the private nature of the donation, they indicated that Mellon is indeed the financier behind this substantial contribution.
While en route to the ASEAN summit in Malaysia, Trump reiterated his refusal to name the donor during a talk with reporters aboard Air Force One. He characterized the donor as “a great American citizen” and “a substantial man,” adding, “He doesn’t want publicity.” Trump’s comments highlight the unusual nature of such a significant contribution being made anonymously in the political arena.
The White House has not commented on the matter, and attempts to reach Mellon or his representatives have been unsuccessful. The impact of the donation on military funding remains uncertain. The Congressional Budget Office has reported that the Trump administration’s budget for 2025 requested approximately $600 billion for total military compensation. Given this context, Mellon’s donation could provide about $100 per service member to the active duty military, which numbers over 1.3 million personnel.
Mellon is a banking heir and railroad magnate who has established himself as a prominent figure in political financing, particularly in support of Trump and the Republican Party. His contributions have escalated in recent years, with tens of millions directed towards groups advocating for Trump’s election campaigns. Notably, he made a $50 million donation to a super political action committee backing Trump, marking one of the largest single contributions disclosed in recent election cycles.
The grandson of former Treasury Secretary Andrew W. Mellon, Timothy Mellon was not previously recognized as a major political donor until Trump’s rise to power. His financial backing for Trump has significantly increased, reflecting a growing trend among wealthy individuals who seek to influence political outcomes.
As discussions surrounding military funding continue, the implications of such private donations on the broader political landscape are becoming increasingly relevant. The intersection of wealth and political influence remains a contentious issue, particularly when substantial sums are provided to support national interests during times of financial uncertainty.
