Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump said Tuesday he raised $5.6 million for military veterans groups, attacking the news media for questioning whether he actually made the donations.
Trump told reporters the money includes $1 million out of his own pocket. He said it was sent to more than 40 private groups that help U.S. military veterans.
Trump has been saying since January that he raised $6 million for veterans groups, even skipping a January Republican presidential debate in Iowa to hold a fundraiser instead. But until Tuesday, Trump had provided almost no details on who, if anyone, actually got the money.
He lashed out at the media after some reporters badgered him and his campaign for more information.
"The press should be ashamed of itself," Trump said. "You make me look bad. I think the media in many cases is made up of not very good people. I don't want the credit, but I shouldn't be lambasted."
But some veterans are angry at Trump, calling his generosity phony and accusing him of using their problems to buy votes.
The likely Democratic presidential nominee, Hillary Clinton, told CNN television Tuesday that while she is glad Trump gave money to veterans, he should not get much credit.
"It took a reporter to shame him into actually making his contribution," she said, without identifying whom she was talking about.
She also denied Trump's accusation that she has done nothing to help veterans. Clinton said she has worked to extend benefits for veterans and has also made personal contributions.
