The White House says US President Donald Trump is pledging one million US dollars in personal funds to Hurricane Harvey storm relief efforts.
White House press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders made the announcement at a briefing on Thursday.
She said he is calling on reporters to help decide which specific organisation he will give to.
THANK YOU to all of the incredible HEROES in Texas. America is with you! #TexasStrong https://t.co/8N4ABo9Ihp
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 31, 2017
Mr Trump has been criticised in the past for giving far less of his income to charitable causes than many other multi-billionaires.
Harvey’s flood waters have heavily damaged tens of thousands of homes across Texas and killed at least 30 people. The storm is now threatening the region near the Texas-Louisiana state line.
Earlier this week, Mr Trump’s 2020 political re-election committee sent out emails and texts to more than 10 million supporters encouraging people to donate to Harvey relief efforts.
If you were affected by #Harvey, go to https://t.co/knuzomCBWt or call 1-800-462-7585 or 1-800-621-3362 for resources. pic.twitter.com/HxxYTUET3v
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) August 31, 2017
The messages provided links to several specific charities: the Red Cross, Salvation Army, United Way and local animal rescue operations.
Mr Trump used a similar “reporters decide” gimmick at the beginning of his administration, that time with his presidential salary, which he is declining to accept.
Then-press secretary Sean Spicer told reporters at a March briefing that Mr Trump “has kindly asked you all determine where that goes”.
A few weeks later, the White House announced that Mr Trump had decided to give his first three months of salary to the Interior Department while his second three months worth went to the Education Department.
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