Story highlights Trump intends to reverse course and raise money in the general election if he wins the Republican nomination, according to a source

Trump has touted his mostly self-funded campaign operation as keeping him free from special interest influence

(CNN) Donald Trump -- who has attracted voters with his pledge to fund his campaign from his own bank account -- intends to reverse course and raise money in the general election if he wins the Republican nomination, according to a source familiar with the plan.

Trump and his staff have told some individuals -- including potential donors -- that as soon as the billionaire businessman secures the nomination, he will pivot and begin fundraising for a general election fight, the source said.

In the event that he wins, Trump will have to quickly scale up his campaign -- particularly if he's competing nationwide against Hillary Clinton's behemoth political organization. In private conversations, Trump and his aides have acknowledged that the Republican Party will need to be well-funded for the general election, and that Trump will work with the party to ensure that's the case.

Their message is "basically we're going to be a traditional party candidate," as far as fundraising is concerned, the source said.

Trump has prided himself on running an efficient primary campaign, funded largely from his personal wealth. At campaign rallies, he regularly touts that he won't be beholden to special interests -- from banks to health care companies to insurance providers -- because he's footing most of the bill for his presidential bid.

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