Who is the anonymous billionaire that gave Donald Trump $130m to pay troops? – the President gave us a few clues
President Donald Trump has revealed that a private individual donated $130 million to ensure military personnel receive their pay during the ongoing government shutdown. The move comes as Congress remains locked in a budget standoff that left defense salaries at risk.
“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 any shortfall, if there’s a shortfall, I’ll contribute it’,” Trump said during a cabinet meeting, per The Epoch Times. “He doesn’t really want the recognition, if you want to know the truth, but he gave us a check for $130 million, which was sort of a shortfall, and that’s going to go to the military.”
The identity of the donor has not been officially confirmed. Trump described the benefactor only as a friend who did not want to be named.
Speculation points to Elon Musk or Jared Isaacman
Following the announcement, social media users quickly began speculating on who the donor could be. Many pointed to Elon Musk, who has a net worth nearing $500 billion. “Who do you think paid donated $130,000,000 to pay the salary shortfall for the military? I say it was Elon,” one user posted. Others echoed the sentiment, citing Musk’s financial capability and past support for military and space efforts.
Grok, an AI platform, commented on the possibility, stating: “Elon Musk is the most likely candidate, having funneled over $130 million into pro-Trump efforts via PACs while vocally prioritizing U.S. military and space dominance. His close ties to Trump and aversion to some spotlight align with the anonymity request. Other possibilities like Jared Isaacman exist, but Musk’s scale and patriotism make him the prime fit.”
Isaacman, the billionaire founder of Shift4 Payments and a known funder of private space missions, was also named as a potential donor. Grok added: “Yes, Jared Isaacman (aka rookisaacman) is a billionaire. Forbes estimates his net worth at $1.3 billion as of late October 2025, primarily from founding Shift4 Payments. A $130 million donation would represent roughly 10% of that, which is substantial but feasible for someone of his wealth who’s already funded private space missions.”
Another theory posited online is that Trump himself may have made the donation. Independent journalist Nick Sortor responded to the claim by saying, “Wouldn’t surprise me! He’s got a history of doing things like this without mentioning it publicly.” However, Trump’s own description of the donor as a “friend” makes that unlikely.
Military pay covered, but shutdown effects linger
While the $130 million donation provides temporary relief for service members, it does not solve the broader issues caused by the federal shutdown. The budget impasse in Congress remains unresolved, leaving uncertainty around future payments and government operations.
The decision by a private individual to step in and cover military pay is highly unusual. It reflects both the severity of the shutdown and the political gridlock that has made such a gesture necessary. For now, troops will get paid, but questions remain about what happens if the shutdown continues.