January 1, Pentagon Accepts Mystery Cash During Shutdown

Wyatt’s Take

• A surprise $130 million donation will help pay troops during the shutdown.
• The Pentagon is using unused research funds for paychecks this month.
• Senate Democrats blocked bills that would fund service members’ pay.

The Pentagon has received a $130 million private donation to help cover military pay while the government is shut down. The identity of the donor, called a “friend” by President Trump, has not been revealed.

The Pentagon is also redirecting money set aside for research to make sure troops get paid this month. But if the shutdown drags on, there are questions about whether the next paycheck at the end of October will arrive on time.

“The donation was made on the condition that it be used to offset the cost of service members’ salaries and benefits,” Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell said. “We are grateful for this donor’s assistance after Democrats opted to withhold pay from troops.”

The shutdown began October 1 after Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer led most Senate Democrats in blocking a bipartisan funding bill. Only a few Democrats broke ranks and supported paying troops and other essential workers.

The Pentagon requires all gifts of $10,000 or more for service members to be reviewed by an ethics panel. The next scheduled military paycheck is at the end of the month.

Americans shouldn’t have to worry if the folks serving our country get paid. These political games in D.C. just add stress to working families and the people putting their lives on the line. It shows how out of touch some elites are with everyday Americans.

Wyatt Matters

When Washington gridlock threatens our troops’ pay, it’s a gut punch to Middle America. Hardworking folks know bills don’t stop for politics, and neither does our gratitude for those who serve.

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