• Timothy Mellon identified as the anonymous donor of $130 million for U.S. troops.
• The donation raises questions regarding its legality under the Antideficiency Act.
• Mellon has emerged as a significant financial backer of President Trump in recent years.
• His past views and contributions indicate a shift in political alignment over time.
• The Mellon family's overall wealth is estimated at approximately $14.1 billion.

Timothy Mellon, an 83-year-old billionaire and heir to the Mellon fortune, has been publicly named as the anonymous donor who contributed $130 million to the U.S. government to help pay military personnel during the government shutdown, as reported by The New York Times and further confirmed by multiple sources including CBS News and The Hill. This significant donation was announced by President Trump, who referred to Mellon as a "patriot" but did not initially disclose his identity, stating that the donor desired no recognition, according to Indiatimes, The Hill, and CBS News.

The Pentagon accepted Mellon's donation with a stipulation that it would be used to cover service members' salaries and benefits, as stated by Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell. However, this donation may contravene the Antideficiency Act, which prohibits federal agencies from exceeding congressional appropriations or accepting voluntary services. This brings to light potential legal complications surrounding the donation, mentioned by sources including CBS News and The Hill, indicating that it would dilute military compensation funds and has raised red flags among experts on federal budget regulations, according to The Hill and CBS News.

Mellon's financial involvement in politics has dramatically increased over the past few years, reportedly contributing close to $197 million to Trump and other Republican committees during the 2024 election cycle alone, as stated by CBS News. Prior to this political resurgence, Mellon's contributions were notably minimal, yet he has firmly established himself as a top donor, eclipsing traditional supporters of the Republican Party, according to Indiatimes and CBS News.

Mellon's views have shifted significantly over time—from a more liberal perspective in his early years to a staunch opposition to government regulations, which heightens his profile in Republican circles today. Notably, he has articulated skepticism towards COVID-19 vaccine efforts, making his political support align with Trump's anti-regulatory stance. His contributions also extend beyond the Republican spectrum, showing an interest in independent campaigns, such as his notable funding decision for Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s presidential run, as detailed in The Hill and CBS News reports, especially considering his significant donation records to other super PACs and political candidates, per The Hill and CBS News.

The Mellon family's estimated net worth reached approximately $14.1 billion, indicating a substantial marriage of wealth to political influence. However, in conversations, Mellon has downplayed his billionaire status, stating, “never have been, never will be,” which adds an interesting narrative to his public image as a reclusive donor opposed to seeking the spotlight, noted in CBS News and The Hill articles. His early philanthropic efforts and advocacy for causes like the border wall in Texas, which he contributed to significantly, further illustrate his layered influence within and across political campaigns over the last few years, according to The Hill and CBS News.