The Pentagon (North American Department of Defense) confirmed on Friday that it accepted an anonymous donation of 130 million dollars, around 111 million euros, to help pay military salaries during the government shutdown, the so-called shutdown.
President Donald Trump had alluded to the donation at an event at the White House on Thursday, with high praise for its author, whose identity he did not reveal: “This is what I call a patriot,” Trump said.
Referring to the person making the donation as “a friend,” Trump said the individual in question did not want public recognition.
With the impasse in Congress over a government agency funding law leaving much of the State without funds since the beginning of this month, the Pentagon has since confirmed that it accepted the funding “under its general authority to accept donations”.
“The donation was made under the condition that it be used to cover the costs of military salaries and benefits,” said Sean Parnell, the Pentagon’s chief spokesman.
“We are grateful for this donor’s help after Democrats chose to withhold troop payments,” he said.
Although significant, the unusual donation represents a small part of the billions needed to cover military salaries.
The Trump Administration informed Congress last week that it used $6.5 billion (5.6 billion euros) to pay salaries.
The next one will be held within a week, and it is in doubt whether the Government will transfer the money again to ensure that the military does not go without a salary.
To secure last week’s payment, the Trump administration used $8 billion earmarked for military research and development funds, but it is unclear whether it intends or will be able to transfer money again next week.
Military pay is a fundamental concern among lawmakers from both parties, as well as a point of political influence at a time of heated exchanges of accusations about responsibility for the strike.
Pentagon policy says officials “should consult with their appropriate Ethics Officer before accepting a donation valued at more than $10,000 to determine whether the donor is involved in any specific complaints, procurement actions, litigation, or other matters involving the Department that should be considered before accepting the donation.”
The government shutdown is on track to become one of the longest federal shutdowns ever, and in Congress in Washington, D.C., there are no signs of relenting on the part of Democrats or Republicans.