The Pentagon announced on Friday that it has accepted a $130 million anonymous donation to help pay military personnel during the ongoing government shutdown. This donation comes as the government faces a potential $6.8 billion cost related to the shutdown, which has now entered its 24th day. Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell stated that the donation was accepted under the department's general gift acceptance authority. He emphasized that the funds are designated to offset the costs of service members' salaries and benefits. Approximately 2 million service members are at risk of missing paychecks if the shutdown continues. President Donald Trump revealed the donation during a White House event on Thursday, describing the donor as “a friend of mine” who wished to remain anonymous. Trump praised the donor, saying, “That’s what I call a patriot.” While the $130 million donation is significant, it represents only a small fraction of the total funds needed to cover military paychecks. Earlier this month, the Trump administration informed Congress that it had reallocated $6.5 billion from the Pentagon's budget to ensure service members were paid. The next payday is approaching, and it remains uncertain whether the administration will need to shift funds again to prevent a lapse in military compensation. The ongoing government shutdown has raised ethical concerns regarding the acceptance of such a large donation. Critics, including Democratic Senator Chris Coons, have questioned the implications of using private funds to support military salaries. Coons stated, "Using anonymous donations to fund our military raises troubling questions of whether our own troops are at risk of literally being bought and paid for by foreign powers." Max Stier, president and CEO of the Partnership for Public Service, expressed similar concerns, calling the situation "crazy" and advocating for greater transparency regarding the donation. Pentagon policy requires consultation with ethics officials before accepting gifts valued over $10,000, particularly if the donor has any involvement with the department. As the shutdown continues, Congress remains deadlocked over budget negotiations, with neither party willing to compromise on key issues, including health care funding. The lack of agreement has led to a prolonged standoff, with military pay becoming a critical point of contention for lawmakers from both parties. In addition to the Pentagon's donation, other funding sources have emerged during the shutdown. For instance, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz announced that Germany would ensure U.S. troops stationed there would receive their October salaries on time, despite the shutdown. The situation remains fluid as the Trump administration navigates the complexities of funding military salaries amid a contentious political landscape. The implications of the donation and the ongoing shutdown continue to raise questions about the future of military funding and the ethical considerations surrounding private contributions to government operations.