WASHINGTON (AP) — The Pentagon acknowledged Friday that it has received $130 million in anonymous donations to help pay military personnel during the war. government shutdownthen raises ethical issues President Donald Trump A friend announced that he had offered a gift to cover the shortfall.
Although this donation is large and unusual, it represents a small contribution to the billions of dollars needed. cover military personnel’s salaries. The Trump administration told Congress last week: $6.5 billion to pay salaries. The next payday will come later this week, but it is unclear whether the administration will again move funds to ensure the military does not operate without compensation.
President Trump revealed the donor payments at a White House event on Thursday, saying, “That’s what I call a patriot.”
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 Thursday that it had received the donation “under general gift-receiving authority.”
“The donation was made on the condition that it be used to offset the cost of military pay and benefits,” Pentagon Chief Press Secretary Sean Parnell said in a statement. “We are grateful for the support of this donor after Democrats chose to withhold paychecks from the military.”
Congress is deadlocked The government shutdown is now in its 24th day, making it one of the longest federal shutdowns in history. Neither Republicans, who hold majorities in the House and Senate, nor Democrats, who are in the minority, intend to compromise on broader policies. Conflict over medical funding.
Paying military personnel is a major issue of concern among lawmakers of both parties, as well as a point of political influence. The Trump administration last week moved $8 billion from the Military Research and Development Fund to payroll, ensuring that military compensation does not expire.
But it’s unclear whether the Trump administration will be willing or able to move funds again next week amid heightened tensions over a prolonged government shutdown.
While $130 million is a large amount, it only covers a fraction of the billions of dollars needed for military salaries. President Trump said the donation was to fill a “shortfall.”
What is unclear, however, are the regulations surrounding such donations.
“It’s crazy,” said Max Stier, president and CEO of the Partnership for Public Service, a nonpartisan organization focused on the federal government.
“We treat payments for our flat-rate services as if someone were picking up your bar tab.”
He questioned the legality of the donations and called for greater transparency about them.
Department of Defense policy states that “before accepting a gift valued in excess of $10,000, the agency must consult with the appropriate ethics officer to determine whether the donor is involved in any claims, procurement actions, litigation, or other specific issues involving the Department that must be considered prior to accepting the gift.”
