The Pentagon has confirmed it has accepted an anonymous $130m (£98m) gift to help pay members of the military during the government shutdown.

President Donald Trump announced the donation at the White House on Thursday, calling the donor a "patriot" and "friend of mine," but withholding his name, saying they did not want recognition.

Mr Trump said: "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 today, he sent us a check for $130 million".

Image: The shutdown is on track to become one of the longest federal closures ever. Pic: AP

The Pentagon confirmed it had acc

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