Trump Says Son Paid Back Russian Billionaire Who Funded Wedding

Former President Donald Trump recently stated that his son, Donald Trump Jr., reimbursed Russian businessman Umar Kremlev for expenses related to his wedding celebrations. The former President made these remarks on September 18, 2026, days after an investigative report by ProPublica brought the financial arrangement to light.

The report indicated that Kremlev, identified as a Russian oligarch with ties to President Vladimir Putin and head of the International Boxing Association, covered hundreds of thousands of dollars for festivities surrounding Donald Trump Jr.'s May 2026 wedding to Bettina Anderson in the Bahamas. These expenses reportedly included the rental of a private island for guests and a reception, along with a fireworks display. Donald Trump Jr. and his wife acknowledged Kremlev's role, describing the contributions as "an extraordinarily generous wedding gift from a friend" and denying any political motivation.

Trump stated that when he inquired about the reports, his son confirmed he was paying back Kremlev, a commitment he said was made "a while ago." The former President downplayed the significance of the funding, portraying Kremlev as a friend of his son's and suggesting such gestures are common. Nevertheless, the funding of the wedding celebration by a Russian figure has prompted ethical questions and led to an investigation by Democrats in the U.S. Congress.