MrBeast breaks silence on claims that Pentagon paid him to "tackle low Gen-Z military recruitment"

YouTube star Jimmy "MrBeast" Donaldson allegedly worked with the Pentagon (the five-sided headquarters of the United States Defense Department), according to a report by Rolling Stone. It claimed that Jimmy — along with Kelly Clarkson and Guy Fieri — received production support from the Pentagon in 2024 to "tackle low Gen-Z military recruitment". As per the article:

"The Pentagon also approved funding for content involving YouTube star Jimmy Donaldson, aka MrBeast, who was slated to lead a humanitarian effort in Puerto Rico."

Despite the reports, the YouTube star denied any such suggestions. He did say that the Pentagon was ready to help but that was for "hurricane relief projects." Jimmy wrote:

"That’s not true. They were going to help us with some hurricane relief projects but it didn’t end up happening. Can I go 1 week without someone making up something about me?"

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Fans react to reports about MrBeast working with the Pentagon to fight declining military recruitment

MrBeast is currently facing allegations of collaborating with the Pentagon, which, according to Rolling Stone, aims to address the decline in military recruitment among youth. Their report claims that Jimmy received Production Assistance Agreements (PAA) as part of this collaboration.

Although Jimmy has acknowledged their willingness to help, he has refuted the alleged reason, asserting that the collaboration was intended for a relief fund in Puerto Rico.

His response naturally sparked a wave of reactions online. Many shared mixed reactions, with some even suggesting that he may have signed an NDA:

"This doesn't mean the claim is untrue. It simply means you were made to sign something requiring you to say it's untrue," said @StarfighterInt1

"Considering your status as an online celebrity, and the pervasive nature of social media and entertainment in our current cultural standard, I highly doubt you’ll make it a single week without someone making up something about you. But hey, at least you’re getting paid, right?" said @AuthorCatron

"There’s a 0% chance you don’t work with the government. Nobody gets to reach your levels of success without directly collaborating with them or outright working for them." said @0xTrippi

"sorry bud, you're in the spotlight, people are going to talk about you," said @Jar_head_Ed

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YouTube star MrBeast is currently trending online following the release of the fourth episode of his viral Beast Games series on Prime Video. Additionally, on January 1, 2025, he announced his engagement to his girlfriend, Thea Booysen, aka "TheaBeasty."