Trump says Donald Trump Jr. repaid businessman who funded Bahamas wedding
Donald Trump said his eldest son reimbursed Umar Kremlev, whose reported funding of the wedding celebrations prompted questions about ethics and foreign influence.
US President Donald Trump says his eldest son, Donald Trump Jr., repaid Umar Kremlev after the Kremlin-linked Russian businessman funded two days of wedding celebrations in the Bahamas in May.
Trump said he asked his son about the payment and was told he was being repaid. He later said he understood the reimbursement had been made, but did not provide details about its amount, date or method.
The payment came to public attention after ProPublica reported that Kremlev paid hundreds of thousands of dollars for wedding events, private-island accommodation and fireworks. Donald Trump Jr. and Bettina Trump had described Kremlev as a “dear friend” who hosted two nights of celebrations.
The arrangement has raised questions about ethics and possible foreign influence. The House Oversight Committee is reportedly investigating the relationship between Kremlev and Trump Jr., along with foreign payments connected to the wedding.
Kremlev heads the International Boxing Association and received the Order of Friendship from Russian President Vladimir Putin in April 2026, according to an IBA press release. Reports cited by France 24 have also described links between Kremlev and Russian security structures, although the available material does not independently confirm the repayment.
