The donor who recently made headlines for his $130 million contribution to pay troops, a sum that seems substantial but represents a relatively small fraction of the military’s vast payroll, is none other than Timothy Mellon, a reclusive heir to the vast Mellon fortune. This donation, while ostensibly aimed at supporting the men and women in uniform, raises a multitude of questions and concerns, particularly given Mellon’s background and his other political affiliations. The fact that the money went toward paying troops directly, effectively bypassing established financial protocols, immediately raises red flags for those concerned about potential corruption and the erosion of governmental oversight.… Continue reading
The Department of Defense announced the acceptance of a $130 million donation from an anonymous Trump ally to cover military salaries during the government shutdown. This unprecedented move, departing from traditional reliance on congressional appropriations, has sparked inquiries from lawmakers across the political spectrum. Democrats are particularly concerned, citing potential violations of the Anti-Deficiency Act, which prohibits the use of private donations to offset funding shortfalls. The identity of the donor and the specifics of the donation’s use remain unclear, with the Pentagon and White House deflecting questions about these details.
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The Pentagon is reallocating $200 million from various military projects, including those for Marine Corps barracks and military schools, to construct a 20-mile-long, 30-foot-tall permanent protective barrier at the Barry M. Goldwater Range in Arizona. This action, justified under a presidential executive order and U.S. code regarding emergency construction, will replace the existing 12-foot-tall mesh barrier along the border. The repurposed funds come from programs dating back to fiscal year 2021, affecting projects in the Army, Air Force, Navy, and Department of Defense. The Pentagon’s decision to use military funds for border security has drawn criticism, although officials cited the need to obtain operational control of the border.
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Ukraine has secured $43 billion for its defense industry this year, boosting domestic production and purchases of weaponry like drones and artillery. This funding, a combination of domestic resources and allied aid, supports the “Build with Ukraine” program, establishing new production lines in Europe for mutual benefit. Zelenskyy stressed the crucial importance of continued US support while acknowledging challenges in sustaining allied commitment. Despite ongoing Russian attacks, including a recent barrage of drones and missiles, Ukraine’s air defenses, strengthened by interceptor UAVs, remain operational.
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Matt Underwood 
John Q. Hosedrinker