President Donald Trump announced on Thursday that a wealthy individual donor has contributed $130 million to the U.S. government to cover potential shortfalls in military pay caused by the government shutdown.

At a White House event, Trump praised the wealthy donor as a patriot and "my friend," but did not disclose their identity.

Trump stated, "He called us a little while ago and said, 'I want to donate to make up the shortfall that we have because of the Democrats' shutdown... I want to do it because I love the military and I love the country.'"

The administration faces pressure to ensure that active-duty military personnel receive their pay amid budget gridlock.

Trump previously signed an executive order directing the Department of Defense to reprogram unused research funds to cover salaries.

House Speaker Mike Johnson called the changes to military funding a temporary fix, warning that soldiers could soon go without pay if Congress fails to pass a budget resolution.

The U.S. federal government has been partially shut down since October 1. Federal lawmakers are at an impasse over a new budget, with disputes over healthcare subsidies at the center of the stalemate.

Secretary of Veterans Affairs Doug Collins told Newsmax on Friday that the donation "shows the best of America."

Collins praised the individual donor for stepping up to ensure military personnel received their pay during what he called the "Schumer Government Shutdown," criticizing Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer.

NNP Chief Reporter Sung Ku Hong / Special to this newspaper NNP info@newsandpost.com