Donald Trump's ex-campaign manager Corey Lewandowski has been approaching billionaires considering starting pro-Trump super PACS, despite criticizing other groups supporting the nominee, according to
Buzzfeed.
Attending the Republican National Convention in Cleveland as a CNN commentator and a delegate from New Hampshire, Lewandowski has been slamming Rebuilding America Now, headed by allies of current Trump campaign manager Paul Manafort, while making a pitch to donors to start a rival super PAC, Buzzfeed reported.
Lewandowski denied the report, but later acknowledged to The Hill that he gave advice on forming a super PAC to one wealthy couple.
Among those Lewandowski reportedly approached were casino magnate Sheldon Adelson, wrestling millionaire Linda McMahon, coal tycoon Joe Craft and his wife, Kelly, all of whom supported Sen. Marco Rubio before defecting to Trump.
"He was pitching donors in the suites the last two nights," a party fundraiser told Buzzfeed. "I don't know how it's going, but he's basically attacking the other two super PACs and saying that they don't know what they're doing. It's a pretty aggressive pitch."
Trump kicked Lewandowski off the campaign last month, starting a 120-day waiting period before he can legally join an independent group that supports a campaign he once ran, although vague laws regarding super PACs may let Lewandowski begin preparations immediately.
The CNN commentator denied any super PAC involvement, saying he's acting as an adviser. But he did offer guidance to the Crafts on how to set one up.
"I'm not raising money for anyone. I have nothing to do with any super PACs," Lewandowski told
the Hill on Wednesday.
"I offered advice. That's what they asked for," Lewandowski said. "I'm not involved in it. I don't get paid, don't consult, just told people how to do it."