Sen. Chris Murphy Criticizes Trump Over Donations for Military Pay

On Sunday, Connecticut Senator Chris Murphy accused President Donald Trump of wielding “kingly authority” by accepting substantial donations from billionaire Timothy Mellon. Murphy shared his thoughts during an interview with CNN’s Jake Tapper, expressing that, perhaps, Trump relishes the ongoing government shutdown because it gives him leverage.

“It’s partly why he’s not willing to negotiate,” Murphy noted, asserting that Trump enjoys the shutdown’s effects. “He holds the power to reopen any segment of the government he chooses.” The senator went on to claim that Trump is steering the government away from democratic principles and closer to totalitarianism.

Mellon, recognized as a reclusive billionaire, has recently been labeled a “patriot” by Trump. He contributed $130 million aimed at ensuring military personnel continue to receive their salaries during the ongoing shutdown. However, there remains a legal gray area surrounding such large gifts.

Legal references like 10 United States Code § 2601 empower the Secretary of Defense to operate under the Appropriations Clause of the U.S. Constitution. According to Article 1, Section 9, Clause 7, any funds must first be funneled through the U.S. Treasury before being appropriated for military salaries.

The donation has also stirred potential concerns regarding the Anti-Deficiency Act, which restricts federal spending beyond what Congress has approved. Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell commented that the donation was intended to cover service members’ pay and benefits.

Distributing these donations remains uncertain, but sources indicate they could equate to roughly $100 for each service member. Interestingly, Mellon, who moved from Connecticut—Murphy’s home state—identifies as a former liberal and has not yet offered any public remarks regarding his donation.