Donald Trump says for the general election, he won't self-fund his campaign

(Image credit: Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

last updated 5 May 2016

Presumptive Republican nominee Donald Trump said that looking ahead to the general election, he will not self-fund his campaign, instead creating a "world-class finance organization."

The campaign is expected to cost more than $1 billion, and Trump said Wednesday he does plan on "putting up" some money, The Wall Street Journal reports. By the end of March, Trump's campaign had spent $47 million, with $36 million coming from Trump. Two advisers told WSJ he plans on tapping into supporters who do not regularly give to the Republican Party, and an aide said he is starting to work with the Republican National Committee to develop a joint fundraising agreement. He also plans on helping the RNC raise money for other candidates through fundraising events and direct mail.

Throughout his campaign, Trump touted the fact that he was not accepting money from wealthy donors or super PACs. "This is one more example that voters can't take Donald Trump at his word," said Democratic National Committee communications director Luis Miranda. "He'll say anything to get elected, so long as it personally benefits him." Trump's website features a prominent "donate" button, and proceeds from items sold in his online store go toward his candidacy. Trump has already raised $12 million from supporters, with most of the donations $200 or less, WSJ reports.

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Catherine Garcia has worked as a senior writer at The Week since 2014. Her writing and reporting have appeared in Entertainment Weekly, The New York Times, Wirecutter, NBC News and "The Book of Jezebel," among others. She's a graduate of the University of Redlands and the Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism.

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