House Oversight Democrat opens inquiry into Donald Trump Jr.’s financial ties to Umar Kremlev
Robert Garcia has requested communications and financial records after ProPublica reported that Kremlev funded hundreds of thousands of dollars in wedding festivities.
US Representative Robert Garcia, the top Democrat on the House Oversight Committee, has opened an investigation into Donald Trump Jr.’s financial relationship with Umar Kremlev, a Russian businessman who ProPublica reported funded hundreds of thousands of dollars in wedding festivities in the Bahamas.
Garcia sent letters to Trump Jr. and the White House requesting communications with Kremlev and financial records for wedding purchases made by foreign nationals. He cited potential national security and public corruption concerns.
ProPublica reported that payments were made through an entity affiliated with the International Boxing Association in Dubai. Kremlev heads the association, which has received financing from Russian state-owned energy company Gazprom. Garcia characterised Kremlev as a member of Russian President Vladimir Putin’s inner circle.
Trump Jr. and Bettina Trump said Kremlev hosted two nights of celebrations as a wedding gift. The White House said Kremlev did not pay for the ceremony, describing the funded events as an afterparty held at a different location and on a different day.
The wedding celebrations involved a private island and about 50 guests, including members of the Trump family and Jared Kushner. ProPublica reported that Kremlev paid for a Saturday event and rented a neighbouring private island for a Sunday reception.
The inquiry has just been announced, and no findings have been reported. The source material does not establish whether the payments breached any law or created an actual national security risk.
