Amid the widespread anxiety came a startling report that captured national attention: a private citizen had allegedly stepped in to donate $130 million to ensure that military personnel continued to receive their pay during the shutdown. The New York Times identified the donor as billionaire Timothy Mellon, though neither Mellon nor the White House officially confirmed the report at the time. The donation was reportedly funneled through a nonprofit organization that focuses on supporting military families during times of financial strain, providing a temporary lifeline for those affected by the interruption in federal salaries.Continue reading…