Timothy Mellon: 5 facts about ‘mystery’ donor who gave $130 million to support US military
Timothy Mellon, an heir to the Mellon fortune, has been identified as the anonymous donor who gave $130 million to the US government, reported the New York Times. The donation will be used to pay military troops as the Trump adminration is currently facing a federal shutdown. Timothy Mellon: Five facts about mystery donor who gave $130 million to support US military(X/@SaveUSAKitty) President Donald Trump announced it on Thursday; however, he kept the name of the donor under wraps. He only gave a short description of the donor, calling the person a “patriot” and his friend. Ever since Timothy Mellon was named as the donor, there has been quite a buzz and curiosity around the billionaire. Here are five facts about Mellon that one should know. Also read: Who is Timothy Mellon? Trump’s multi-billionaire friend who donated $130mn for US military Timothy Mellon: Five facts about Trump’s ‘patriot’ friend1. The generous donor is heir to a business family known for banking and their ties to US politics. 2. In 2024, Variety reported Timothy’s net worth to be around $14.2 billion. He has also been one of the most active donors to Trump’s campaigns. 3. According to a HuffPost report, Mellon donated nearly $50 million to a pro-Trump super political action committee (super PACs) in the 2024 Presidential elections. It was also reported to be one of the single largest donations to be disclosed. 4. Timothy is the grandson of former Treasury Secretary Andrew W Mellon, who was in power from 1921 to 1932, reported the NYT. However, he was not a prominent Republican donor until Trump became politically active. 5. Mellon, 80, lives in Wyoming and prefers to keep a low profile, stated a Guardian report. Apart from Trump, he has also backed Robert F Kennedy Jr and donated to his anti-vaccine group named Children’s Health Defense. Also read: Amber alert lifted after four children abducted in Riverdale found safe; suspect remains at large Timothy Mellon: White House yet to confirm nameWhile the NYT report suggests Timothy to be the anonymous donor, the White House has declined to comment on the issue. As per the statement issued the Pentagon, his donation was made under “general gift acceptance authority”. Chief Spokesperson Sean Parnell has clarified that the donation will be strictly used to pay service members towards their salaries and other benefits. Previously, Trump has ordered Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to ensure that troops are well compensated during the federal shutdown. The adminration has also used funds set aside for research and development worth $8 billion towards the payroll of service members, reported The Independent. FAQs1. Who donated $130 million to the US government?Timothy Mellon, heir to the Mellon banking fortune, has been identified as the anonymous donor. 2. What will the donation be used for?The Pentagon confirmed the funds will go toward paying US military salaries and benefits during the shutdown. 3. How much has Mellon donated to politics before?In 2024, he reportedly gave nearly $50 million to pro-Trump super PACs, one of the largest disclosed contributions.
