Republican presidential front-runner Donald Trump has booked a Tuesday meeting with major GOP donor Sheldon Adelson.
A spokesman comfirmed the meeting and said Trump and Adelson are longtime friends.
“Mr. Trump would be happy to have Mr. Adelson’s support but doesn’t want or need his money,” Trump spokeswoman Hope Hicks said in an email.
Politico first reported that Trump and Adelson would meet before tonight’s GOP presidential debate at Adelson’s Venetian Hotel.
{mosads}Adelson is expected to privately huddle with several White House hopefuls before Tuesday’s contest, the report added.
The casino mogul is widely considered one of the most valuable potential donors during the primary.
Adelson backed former House Speaker Newt Gingrich (R-Ga.) in the 2012 primary before throwing his support behind Mitt Romney, the party’s eventual nominee.
Trump revealed last month that he had made overtures to the coveted billionaire mega-donor.
“I had one conversation with Sheldon, and all he wants to do is protect Israel,” he said on Nov. 5.
“But I don’t want his money. I don’t need his money,” Trump vowed. “I am putting up my own money [for my campaign].”
“The only thing I can tell you is that Sheldon Adelson is very well-protected because I will take care of Israel,” the real estate tycoon added.
Trump has repeatedly promised to use his own personal fortune to fund his campgin, rather than relying on donors. He also previously taunted Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) for jockeying too hard for Adelson’s checkbook earlier this year.
“Sheldon Adelson is looking to give big dollars to Rubio because he feels he can mold him into his perfect little puppet,” Trump tweeted. “I agree!”
This story was updated at 3:41 p.m.