The surplus was estimated by economists and the CBO. December is traditionally a month of surpluses because most spending for the year is already allocated.
The fiscal headwinds in the US are quickly receding. The deficit for October through December totaled $173.60 billion, down 41% from the $293.30 billion a year earlier.
Update: The unexpected money came on big payments from Fannie and Freddie but, hey, money is money.