The Pentagon announced that it has received an anonymous donation of $130 million to pay compensation to the military during the US shutdown. This was announced by department spokesman Sean Parnell, quoted by "Bloomberg".
"The donation was made on the condition that it would be used to offset the cost of military salaries and benefits," the Pentagon spokesman specified.
The donation could become another "questionable move" of the administration of US President Donald Trump, which is using the shutdown to strengthen control over government structures, commented "Bloomberg".
The identity of the donor and his motives also remain in question. The anonymous donor transferred $ 130 million, offering to cover "any deficit that may arise in the military". Trump has described him only as "a friend" and "a patriot who doesn't seek recognition", "Bloomberg" noted.
The total amount of $130 million will cover a small portion of the payroll of about 1.3 million active-duty military personnel in the United States.
The US government has been partially shut down since October 1 due to an unapproved budget.
Trump has said he may use the period to cut government staff and payments, blaming the crisis on Democrats. The White House has used the situation to abandon programs that are unpopular with Republicans.