In an interview with Greta Van Susteren’s on Monday, Donald Trump indicated that he would spend a lot of his own money if he were to run for president. As he explained, it would be a demonstration that he would have a stake in the enterprise — but he would also want other Americans to contribute to the campaign, too.
“If you ran for president, would you self-fund?” Van Susteren asked. “Would you pay for your own campaign?
“I don’t think so,” Trump initially said — but then continued. “I would certainly put up a lot of my own money.
“But I think that — you know, it’s very interesting. I made a deal with General Electric to do a building, Trump International Hotel and Tower. They wanted me to invest in that building. They were the financial source, I was the builder. But they wanted me, in order to be a partner, to invest in the building. On Park Avenue, I did a job with a company. They wanted me to have some little money in the game.
“I think when people invest in a campaign that’s a good thing. You know, you’re investing in thought. You’re investing in a process.
“No, I would put up a tremendous amount of money, but I think it’s good when people — I get letters all the time. I get letters where I send it back now, because I’m not a declared candidate. But I get letters and checks and money sent to me all the time. But I think that’s a good thing. I think they should have sort of a feeling that they’re a part of their campaign.
“So I would put up hundreds of millions if I have to,” Trump concluded. “But I also think it’s good when people that are supporting you contribute to your campaign.”
