- June 17, 2015 -
Trump: Club for Growth is Attacking Me After Seeking $1 Million Donation
Donald Trump suggested that the Club For Growth is going after him because he did not heed its recent request to donate $1 million.
Just hours after Trump announced his candidacy for president Tuesday, the conservative advocacy group released a statement calling on him to be excluded from the Republican debates.
The New York-based real estate mogul responded by saying the well-financed conservative group asked him for a donation of $1 million just two weeks ago.
"They came up to see me very recently," Trump told Bloomberg TV's With All Due Respect in an interview with Mark Halperin and John Heilemann set to air Wednesday. "And they sent us a letter, I think we have it, asking for a tremendous contribution."
Trump adviser Corey Lewandowski added, referring to McIntosh: "He couldn't get a check fast enough so he does this. Does he have no dignity?"
A letter from McIntosh dated June 2, 2015, and addressed to Lewandowski thanks him for "taking part in my meeting with Mr. Trump." Trump sent an electronic copy of the letter to Bloomberg.
"During our meeting," McIntosh wrote, "Mr. Trump expressed an interest in supporting the Club for Growth ... Enclosed is a letter for Mr. Trump and a request for a $1 million contribution to the Club for Growth." McIntosh added that he'd be "very grateful" if Lewandowski shared the request with Trump.
Trump appears likely to qualify for the first Republican debate in Cleveland on August 6, according to the rules established by Fox News, which is hosting.
