Trump donated to attorneys general during reviews of his businesses - report

US Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump gave financial contributions to the campaigns of state attorneys general while his businesses were undergoing reviews, according to reports on Wednesday.

According to the report in the Wall Street Journal, his family and business colleagues have donated large amounts to New York state attorneys offices since the 1980s, including current office holder Eric Schneiderman.

Trump has consistently criticised presidential rival Hillary Clinton for being part of a "corrupt" political sphere which is affected inherently by "outside influences".

"In total, Mr Trump has given about $140,000 to a dozen people who either were state attorneys general or running for the post from 2001 to 2014, according to donation records," the WSJ said.

Previous reports have said that Trump donated money to Florida attorney general Pam Bondi as she was reported to be launching an investigation into Trump University.

The businessman's foundation ended up paying a fine of $2,500 for that incident.