Trump says an anonymous donor has pledged $130 million to cover military pay amid shutdown

President Donald Trump on Thursday announced during a Cabinet roundtable that an anonymous donor has pledged to help cover military pay for troops impacted by the government shutdown. 

The private donation comes the same day Senate Democrats blocked a Republican bill that would have covered the paychecks of servicemembers, Transportation Security Administration employees, and air traffic controllers. 

Trump said the donor, who did not want his identity disclosed, has agreed to donate $130 million to the federal government to help cover the spending shortfall. The $130 million check has already been received, the Epoch Times reported.

“He called us the other day and he said, ‘I’d like to contribute any shortfall you have because of the Democrat shutdown. I’d like to contribute, personally, contribute any shortfall you have with the military, because I love the military and I love the country, and any shortfall, if there’s a shortfall, I’ll contribute it,’’’ Trump said. 

Democratic Sens. Chris Van Hollen of Maryland and Gary Peters of Michigan said they rejected the Republican-led bill because they were preparing their own alternatives that would cover all federal employees.

Van Hollen said his bill also includes a provision that would block Trump from firing federal workers during the shutdown.

Misty Severi is a news reporter for Just The News. You can follow her on X for more coverage.