A reclusive billionaire and heir to one of America’s richest families, Timothy Mellon has been identified as the anonymous donor who gave $130 million to the US government to help pay military salaries amid the ongoing federal shutdown. For days, Trump has been heaping praise on his mystery friend, calling him a “patriot” and a “great American.” Though he declined to reveal the name, two people familiar with the matter confirmed that the donor was Mr. Mellon, according to The New York Times.

Billionaire Timothy Mellon Identified as $130M donor

Speaking aboard Air Force One on his way to Malaysia, Trump said the donor wished to remain out of the spotlight. “He doesn’t want publicity,” Trump told reporters. “He prefers that his name not be mentioned, which is pretty unusual in politics.”

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