David M Jackson

USA TODAY

Donald Trump is denying any connection between a political contribution benefiting the Florida attorney general and her office's decision to drop an investigation into Trump University.

"She's a fine person beyond reproach," Trump said of Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi, a prominent supporter in the Sunshine State.

Trump added that "I never spoke to her" about any investigation.

The Washington Post reported that Trump paid a $2,500 penalty to the IRS because his charitable foundation violated tax laws with a $25,000 donation to a campaign group connected to Bondi.

Noting that the contribution was made in 2013, the Post reported that at the time Bondi "was considering whether to investigate fraud allegations against Trump University. She decided not to pursue the case."

Trump and Bondi have denied any wrongdoing.

The Republican presidential nominee, who has long disputed fraud allegations against the now-defunct Trump University, told reporters Monday that many state attorneys general "turned that case down" because he would win it in court.

But he is facing a civil Fraud suit in California over Trump University, and other attorneys general raised concerns about the university's practices.

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