Donald Trump Says He Raised $5.6 Million for Veterans, And Insults Media

“I have been thanked by so many veterans groups throughout the United States,” Trump says

Donald Trump

Donald Trump detailed his efforts to provide millions of dollars to veterans groups at a Trump Tower news conference on Tuesday, but also used the opportunity to insult media at the event.

Trump got heated at a reporter at one point, calling the journalist a “real beauty” when he was asked about the scrutiny that he receives from the press, and calling another a “sleaze.”

“I’m the only one in the world that can raise almost $6 million for the veterans, have uniform applause by the veterans’ groups and end up getting criticized by the press,” Trump said.

Trump insisted he wanted to keep the donations private because it “isn’t anybody’s business” if he wants to send money to veterans.

Trump hosted a “special event to benefit veteran organizations” back in January and said $6 million was raised. He also mentioned last week that he donated $1 million of his own money to veterans. He addressed the situation after critics slammed the presumptive GOP nominee for not being more transparent about the allocation of the funds.

“All of the money has been paid out. … At this point it’s $5.6 million,” Trump said. “On behalf of the vets the press should be ashamed of themselves.”

Trump said that when he sends money to veterans the press just wants to know, “Who got it? Who got it?” He explained that it takes times because he has to vet each organization individually.

“I have been thanked by so many veterans groups throughout the United States,” Trump said. “One gentleman called me up recently, crying. Out of the blue, he got a check for $100,000.”

Trump read a list of organizations that he has donated money to:

Trump accused the protestors outside his news conference of being “sent” by Hillary Clinton. He took his time reading the list of veteran charities he’s helping out and mentioned that there will be “more coming in.”

Trump said that every one of the checks has already been distributed, with the exception of one check that will eventually land with a group that has not yet been properly vetted.

 

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