Since the beginning of October due to the so-called During the shutdown, approximately 750,000 people were sent on forced leave. federal employees. Those who stayed at work – including: soldiers, service officers, air traffic controllers and others – they will not be paid until the budget resumes. The Senate recently voted on a bill that would provide funding for the military. However, the majority of Democrats voted against it, which resulted in it rejection of this legal act.
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How much did Timothy Mellon donate to the soldiers?
Why is the donation controversial?
Who revealed the identity of the donor?
What is the Pentagon's justification for accepting the donation?
For this reason, the mysterious donor donated USD 130 million. to pay soldiers' salaries. Donald Trump did not reveal who donated the funds, but described him as “his friend” who “doesn't really want recognition.” With about 1.3 million troops on active duty, a donation from an anonymous person would be about $100. for every military man.
However, The New York Times obtained information about the donor. This billionaire Timothy Mellon, who is the heir to a banking fortune and a railroad magnate, as well as the grandson of former Treasury Secretary Andrew Mellon. He supported Trump many times, among others donating millions of dollars to the election campaign of the current US president. “The New York Times” emphasizes that the billionaire does not flaunt his wealth and lives in the shadows.
Controversy surrounding a huge donation
Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell explained that the money was accepted within the framework “general authorization to accept donations” and will be intended to cover the costs of salaries and benefits for soldiers. According to CNN, this is it departure from standard financing procedures, that rely on congressional appropriations.
The plan to use the donation caused controversy. Experts and parliamentarians, quoted by the media, wondered whether private funds should be used to pay soldiers will not violate the Antideficiency Act, which prohibits government agencies from spending beyond limits authorized by Congress.
