Donald Trump has written to a television network in the US suggesting that they donate the proceeds from an upcoming Presidential election debate to veterans since they have increased their advertising rates to profit.

The Republican hopeful has published a letter he wrote to CNN Worldwide president Jeff Zucker on Tuesday, making it clear he feels the network will make money from his appearance on its programme.

Further, he added that the extra money they will make from hiking advertising by 4,000% on the back of, what is sure to be, a controversial television event should be given to charity.

The Republican said Zucker “[knew] very well, this tremendous increase in viewer interest and advertising is due 100% to ‘Donald J Trump.’”

Trump posted a copy of his letter to CNN on his website via Donald J. Trump on Facebook

The candidate has offered to give Zucker a list of worthy charities to pick from in a public shaming.

Meanwhile, in an expletive-ridden open letter to The Daily Beast, R.E.M. frontman Michael Stipe has blasted Trump for using his music at a political event.

In an attempt to highlight his feelings about President Barack Obama's recent nuclear deal with Iran, Trump aides played It's the end of the world as we know it - but Stipe has made it clear that he wants nothing to do with the Republican politician.

He has ordered the "Attention-Grabbing Orange Clown!" to stop using the band's music.