U.S. May Reject $130 Million Donation to Pay Troops Amid Legal Concerns

An anonymous donor has pledged $130 million to support U.S. military personnel during a government shutdown, but legal hurdles may prevent the donation from being utilized. The Pentagon confirmed on October 23, 2025, that the funds were designated specifically to help cover soldiers’ salaries. However, the Anti-Deficiency Act raises significant challenges regarding the acceptance of such funds.

The Pentagon’s spokesperson, Sean Parnell, expressed gratitude for the donation, noting it was made under the Department of War’s general gift acceptance authority. The donor, described as a “patriot and friend,” intended to offset the costs associated with military salaries. Despite this generous contribution, the amount is a minor fraction of the approximately $7.5 billion the Pentagon disburses biweekly for service members’ compensation, covering less than a day’s wages.

Legal experts have pointed out that the Anti-Deficiency Act prohibits the federal government from spending money that has not been appropriated by Congress. According to Bobby Kogan, senior director of federal budget policy at the Center for American Progress, the law stipulates that funds can only be spent if they are authorized by an appropriation. He explained that while there are precedents for accepting donations for specific purposes, funding salaries does not fall within those exceptions.

The Director of Budget and Entitlement Policy at the Cato Institute, Romina Boccia, echoed Kogan’s sentiments, stating that while recognizing the donor’s intent is possible, it does not alter the legal restrictions that require Congressional authorization for military salaries. She highlighted that the military does have limited authority to accept donations for supporting wounded or deceased service members and their families.

To bypass these legal limitations, Congress would need to reclassify troop pay as mandatory or direct spending. However, with the government shutdown extending for over 23 days as of now, bipartisan negotiations appear stalled, complicating the legislative process further.

As the situation stands, the Pentagon may be unable to use the $130 million donation effectively due to these legal constraints. The ongoing government shutdown has created a tense environment in Washington, with both parties entrenched in a blame game, further complicating the funding landscape for U.S. service members. The resolution to this issue remains uncertain as discussions continue.