Russian oligarch funded Trump Jr. wedding events, president says son repaid him

Investigative outlet ProPublica reported that Russian oligarch Umar Kremlev covered hundreds of thousands of dollars in expenses for Donald Trump Jr.'s three-day wedding celebration in the Bahamas this May. Kremlev, who leads the International Boxing Association and has ties to the Kremlin, paid for a private island rental and a fireworks display. Donald Trump Jr. and his wife, Bettina Trump, acknowledged the payments in an Instagram statement, describing Kremlev as a "dear friend" who hosted two nights of festivities after the ceremony. Ethics experts said the distinction between the wedding and the after-party is irrelevant given the president's son accepted lavish gifts from a foreign adversary.

President Donald Trump told reporters in the Oval Office that his son had repaid Kremlev. He first said he "heard" the money was returned, then claimed his son told him directly, "No, I'm paying him back, dad." A representative for Trump Jr. did not immediately respond to requests for confirmation of the repayment. The president also said he had never heard of Kremlev before the report.

“Our dear friend Umar very generously hosted two incredible nights of celebrations for us AFTER our wedding.”

ProPublica reported that Kremlev is allegedly linked to an organization sanctioned by Ukraine for the abduction of children from Russian-occupied territories. Kremlev's press office denied discussing political matters with American acquaintances and described him as a businessman and philanthropist. First Lady Melania Trump's office stated she had no relationship with Kremlev and played no role in the event's planning.