Senator Chris Murphy of Connecticut accused President Donald Trump of wielding “king-like powers” after the administration accepted a $130 million private donation to cover military salaries during the ongoing government shutdown. Speaking on CNN, Murphy argued that the shift of troop-pay responsibilities from Congress to a private donor poses a threat to democratic norms.
The gift—announced by Trump, who called the donor a “friend” and left the individual unnamed—was reportedly made to ensure service members receive their pay despite the budget impasse. The Pentagon confirmed it accepted the donation under its “general gift acceptance” authority and designated it for use only for salaries and benefits.
Murphy warned that bypassing the normal congressional appropriation process undermines the constitutional power of the legislature and sets a precedent where executive discretion replaces statutory funding. He raised concerns over transparency and whether such contributions remain subject to normal oversight.
White House officials responded that the donation was a patriotic gesture and fully legal under Pentagon rules, but the incident has sparked a broader debate about the intersection of private funding and public obligations.