Once a self-funder, Trump's new fundraising machine ramps up

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CLEVELAND Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump, who gained popularity partly by bashing wealthy donors and vowing to fund his own campaign, raised nearly as much money in June as Democratic rival Hillary Clinton, according to federal reports filed on Wednesday.

In the first month in which the Trump campaign’s fundraising machine kicked into high gear, Trump raised nearly $20 million from individual donors other than himself.

Clinton's campaign brought in $24 million from individual donors last month.

Trump’s new money dash was also evident at the Republican National Convention in Cleveland this week, where two Trump Super PACs - each dueling for supremacy and boasting a roster of top donors - held private events.

Those in the donor class backing Trump include investor Foster Friess and casino magnate Sheldon Adelson, who associates say is considering pouring as much as $100 million into helping Trump get elected.

(Reporting by Michelle Conlin; Editing by Caren Bohan and Peter Cooney)