A Russian oligarch with alleged ties to President Vladimir Putin contributed hundreds of thousands of dollars toward events surrounding Donald Trump Jr.'s wedding earlier this year, according to a report by ProPublica. The report, which reviewed financial records and spoke with individuals familiar with the event, states that the oligarch, Umar Kremlev, funded expenses such as the rental of a private island and a fireworks display.
ABC News has not independently confirmed the details of the ProPublica report. Kremlev, who serves as president of the International Boxing Association, allegedly made these payments through an entity affiliated with the organization.
Donald Trump Jr. and his new wife, Bettina Anderson, held their wedding celebration in the Bahamas in May. Anderson addressed the report in a social media post, stating that Kremlev "very generously hosted two incredible nights of celebrations for us AFTER our wedding." She characterized it as "an extraordinarily generous wedding gift from a friend." Anderson pushed back against interpretations of the event, writing, "It’s unfortunate that something so personal and happy can be recast as something political or sinister simply because of who someone is or where they come from."
When reached for comment by ProPublica, a spokesperson for Donald Trump Jr. did not dispute the payments. "Umar is a personal friend of Don," the spokesperson told the outlet. The spokesperson also stated that Kremlev is not someone Trump Jr. has a business relationship with, noting they met through a mutual friend in the hunting community and bonded over shared interests in boxing and the outdoors. Kremlev's press office also confirmed a friendly relationship, stating they met several years ago.
President Donald Trump did not attend his son's wedding, citing "circumstances pertaining to Government, and my love for the United States of America" at the time. He had also canceled travel plans to his golf club in Bedminster, New Jersey, to remain in Washington, D.C.
ProPublica reported that Kremlev had recently traveled with Putin to China and had received the Russian state honor of the Order of Friendship. U.S. national security reports have indicated that the Russian government and Putin have engaged in efforts to interfere in U.S. elections.