Donald Trump prides himself on running a self-funded campaign, but there are reports he wanted the support of casino mogul and major Republican donor Sheldon Adelson.
Trump reportedly sent Adelson a personalized letter and book of photos of the Republican presidential candidate getting a Jewish award.
The glossy photos show Trump at the Algemeiner Jewish 100 Gala in Manhattan, the New York Times first reported. The clippings included an article in New York Observer, the paper owned by Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner, about Trump’s award acceptance. Inside the booklet of photos sent to Adelson, Trump reportedly scrawled “no one will be a bigger friend to Israel than me!”
The 82-year old Adelson is worth $28.9 billion and has been called “the richest Jew in the world” by Forbes. He is said to have spent more than $100 million during the 2012 election cycle and plans on donating a large sum of money to his GOP candidate of choice in 2016. Adelson is a staunch supporter of Israel.
Trump denied any allegations that he attempted to lure campaign donations from the Jewish billionaire while speaking on MSNBC’s “Morning Joe” Thursday morning.
“I had one conversation with Sheldon and all he wants to do is protect Israel,” said Trump. “But I don’t want his money, I don’t need his money.”
