Mystery Trump supporter gives $130m to US military for paying troops during shutdown

The Treasury Secretary says the US has enough for the next military payday, but can't pay service members after that.

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US defence officials confirmed the gift, which President Donald Trump said will make up for shortfalls in paying the country's 1.32m service members, but declined to identify the donor.

Trump provided a few clues, though, saying on Saturday that he was "a big supporter of mine" and a US citizen.

The government shut down more than three weeks ago, after lawmakers failed to approve a funding deal. The Trump administration paid troops last week by shifting $8bn from military research, but it is unclear what will happen on the next payday at the end of the month.

Now in its 26th day, the shutdown is poised to become one of the longest in US history.