President praises anonymous backer's generosity but vows to use federal funds to ensure military paychecks

October 14, 2025 | Washington, D.C.

WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump disclosed on Tuesday that an unnamed wealthy donor has offered to personally fund any shortfalls in military salaries during the ongoing government shutdown, highlighting the escalating financial strains on federal workers as partisan gridlock persists.

Speaking to reporters at the White House, Trump recounted a recent phone call from the individual, whom he described as a "very wealthy person" and a "great gentleman." "I actually have a man who... called — a donor, a great gentleman — and he said if there’s any money necessary, shortfall, for the paying of the troops, that I will pay it," Trump said. "That he will pay it. I said, ‘Look, we’re not going to need it.'"

The revelation comes as the partial government shutdown enters its second week, triggered by a funding impasse over spending priorities, including aid to Ukraine and border security measures. Thousands of federal employees, including active-duty service members, face delayed paychecks, while non-essential operations at agencies like the CDC and NASA have ground to a halt. The shutdown has already led to widespread flight delays and additional layoffs, with the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) advising agencies to prepare for prolonged disruptions.

Trump's comments build on his administration's weekend announcement to redirect previously appropriated funds to guarantee troop payments, a move directed to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. The president emphasized that the donor's offer, while appreciated, would not be necessary, underscoring confidence in the Pentagon's ability to repurpose an estimated $8 billion from research and development accounts.

House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) defended the administration's approach during a Capitol Hill press conference, challenging Democrats to contest the funding shift in court if they object. "If the Democrats want to go to court and challenge troops being paid, bring it, okay," Johnson said.

Democrats, meanwhile, have criticized the Republican-led House for passing a short-term funding bill that excludes key Democratic priorities, such as extensions for health care subsidies and Medicaid. The Senate is set to vote on the measure for an eighth time on Tuesday afternoon, but prospects for passage remain dim without bipartisan compromise.

The donor's identity remains undisclosed, though Trump's description evokes memories of past high-profile contributions from his network of business leaders and supporters. During his first term, similar offers emerged from private citizens amid shutdowns, including pledges to fund border wall construction.

Military families have expressed relief at the assurances of payment but voiced broader concerns over the shutdown's ripple effects. "We're grateful for the troops getting paid, but this uncertainty is wearing on everyone," said Bashtye Bailey, a Navy spouse and veteran, in an interview.

As negotiations stall, the White House continues to prioritize essential services, with Trump linking the impasse to broader foreign policy debates, including conditional U.S. aid to Argentina ahead of its elections. Lawmakers on both sides face mounting pressure to resolve the crisis before the weekend, lest the economic toll deepen.