The mystery donor who offered to pay U.S. troops during the so-called “Schumer Shutdown” has been revealed as billionaire Timothy Mellon, heir to one of America’s most prominent banking families. The 83-year-old, known for his reclusive lifestyle in Wyoming, is the grandson of Andrew Mellon, the industrialist and former Treasury Secretary who helped shape U.S. economic policy in the 1920s. President Donald Trump described the donor as “a great gentleman” and “a great patriot,” noting that he had requested anonymity. The White House declined to comment, while the Pentagon confirmed that Mellon’s $130 million donation was made specifically to help fund military salaries during the government shutdown.

Timothy Mellon’s contribution comes amid a broader budget standoff in Congress, which left thousands of federal employees temporarily unpaid. Mellon, a longtime Trump supporter, has previously drawn attention for his sizable political donations — including a $50 million contribution to the pro-Trump super PAC Make America Great Again Inc. in 2024, just one day after Trump’s fraud conviction in New York. His latest donation, however, raises new legal questions. Under the Antideficiency Act, federal agencies are prohibited from spending money not appropriated by Congress, even if the funds come from private sources. Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell confirmed the department accepted Mellon’s gift but said its use remains under legal review.

The situation underscores a rare and complex intersection of private philanthropy and federal law. Trump has directed Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to use “all available funds” to pay service members, while Congress continues to debate a funding resolution. Critics argue that accepting Mellon’s money could undermine congressional authority over federal spending, while supporters view it as an act of patriotism during a political impasse. As one defense official put it, “This is uncharted territory.”