Russian oligarch Umar Kremlev confirmed on Tuesday that Donald Trump Jr. had reimbursed him for money he spent on the former president’s son’s wedding in the Bahamas. Kremlev made the statement during a press conference for the International Boxing Association in Istanbul, saying, “Yes, he did. He did repay the money I spent on the present.” No documentation has been provided by either Kremlev or the Trump family to substantiate the repayment.
Kremlev, who heads the boxing federation and was recently awarded the Order of Friendship by President Vladimir Putin, expressed confusion over the transaction. He said, “Frankly speaking, I do not understand why he decided to do so. There are all kinds of events organized by all kinds of people. It is as if I invite you to come and visit my country house. Would you expect me to issue an invoice to them afterward?” He added that such a request would be “ridiculous.”
According to records reviewed by ProPublica, Kremlev financed hundreds of thousands of dollars of the wedding’s expenses, including renting a private island for the reception and a fireworks display. The money reportedly came from an entity linked to the International Boxing Association in Dubai, which the organization uses for financial transactions.
President Donald Trump defended his son, telling reporters that the financial support was “totally allowed” and that the funds were “paid back.” Trump added, “That’s very common. I’ve given wedding parties to numerous people.”
Bettina Trump later addressed the reporting in an Instagram post, describing Kremlev as a “dear friend” who “very generously hosted two incredible nights of celebrations for us.” Kremlev dismissed the scrutiny, calling the event a shared celebration and noting that “people blew it out of proportion.” The controversy comes amid Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine and follows earlier scrutiny of Trump Jr.’s contacts with Russian figures during the 2016 election cycle.
