ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) – Donald Trump says he is only asking wealthy donors for their money because the Republican National Committee wants him to.
In an interview with The Associated Press, that’s how the presumptive GOP presidential nominee explained his about-face from self-funded candidate to one who relies on campaign contributions. Trump is holding his first fundraisers this week, including a $25,000-per-ticket dinner Wednesday in Los Angeles.
“The RNC really wanted to do it, and I want to show good spirit,” Trump said in a phone interview with the AP. “‘Cause I was very happy to continue to go along the way I was.”
Trump’s personal investment in his quest for the White House has been a point of pride, a boast making its way into nearly every rally and interview. Through the end of April, the billionaire businessman had lent his campaign at least $43 million, enough to pay for most of his primary bid.
“By self-funding my campaign, I am not controlled by my donors, special interests or lobbyists. I am working only for the people of the U.S.!” he wrote on Twitter in September.