Trump’s hidden friend Timothy Mellon funds US military throughout shutdown
Billionaire Timothy Mellon, a reclusive heir to the Mellon banking dynasty and a significant financial supporter of US President Donald Trump, has contributed $130 million to assist active-duty US troops amid the ongoing government shutdown, as per reports. On Thursday, Trump revealed the donation, referring to the benefactor as a “patriot,” a “great American citizen,” and a “substantial man,” while keeping his identity undisclosed. “He doesn’t want publicity,” Trump later stated. “He prefers that his name not be mentioned, which is quite uncommon in the realm I come from, and in the political sphere, one typically desires their name to be recognized.”
Timothy Mellon, born in 1942, is the grandson of Andrew W Mellon, who served as US treasury secretary and was a prominent industrialist during the Gilded Age, recognized as one of America’s wealthiest financiers. The Mellon family, with an estimated wealth of approximately $14 billion as per reports, continues to stand as one of the wealthiest dynasties in the nation. Following his studies in city planning at Yale University, Mellon established Guilford Transportation Industries in 1981. The company acquired several major railroads across North America and subsequently purchased the bankrupt Pan American World Airways in 1998. A dedicated aviator, Mellon has accumulated over 11,000 flight hours and once stated that he “quite literally kept the American institution that is Pan Am flying”. Mellon’s previous philanthropic efforts encompass a $1 million donation to a 2012 expedition aimed at locating aviator Amelia Earhart’s missing aircraft, although the mission did not produce any results.
Mellon has become one of the most significant contributors to conservative and populist initiatives in recent years. Sources reports that he contributed over $165 million during the 2024 election cycle, which includes $125 million directed to Make America Great Again Inc, the Super PAC backing Trump. He also contributed to the campaign of independent presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and his organization, Children’s Health Defense. In 2021, Mellon contributed $53 million to a fund initiated by Texas Governor Greg Abbott aimed at constructing a wall along the state’s border with Mexico. Mellon’s 2015 self-published memoir faced backlash for his comments on US social welfare programmes, which he referred to as “Slavery Redux”. The 83-year-old contended that Black voters were being “bought” with government benefits. Despite his reclusive nature, Mellon’s financial influence in Republican politics has expanded considerably. Initially a modest donor, contributing $32,000 during Trump’s 2016 campaign, his support has now escalated to tens of millions.
The Pentagon has confirmed that the donation was accepted under its “general gift acceptance authority.” Sean Parnell stated that the funds would be utilized “to offset the cost of service members’ salaries and benefits.” However, sources reported that the contribution could violate the Antideficiency Act, which bars federal agencies from spending funds beyond congressional appropriations or accepting voluntary services, except during emergencies involving human safety or property protection. Violations of the Act may lead to administrative penalties, fines, or imprisonment. The White House directed inquiries regarding the legality of the donation to the US Treasury Department, which has yet to provide a comment.
