‘Mystery Man’ Who Donated $130 Million to Pay US Troops ID’ed: You Won’t Believe Who It Is

Washington — As the government shutdown stretches into its 25th day, political tensions continue to rise. This week, Democrats blocked a bill that would have temporarily paid essential federal workers, drawing sharp criticism from Republicans.

Amid the standoff, President Trump announced that an anonymous donor had contributed $130 million to help pay the troops. The New York Times later reported that the donor was Timothy Mellon, the reclusive billionaire heir to the Mellon banking family. Neither Trump nor Mellon has confirmed the report.

Mellon, worth an estimated $14.1 billion, is known for his major political donations — including $50 million to a Trump-aligned PAC in 2024 — and for supporting Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s campaign. A private figure with an adventurous streak, he has funded searches for Amelia Earhart and once revived the Pan Am brand for his rail ventures.

The shutdown continues with no clear resolution in sight.