Trump: Don Jr. Reimbursed Russian Oligarch for Wedding Expenses
President claims his eldest son paid back an associate of Vladimir Putin who covered costs for his wedding festivities.
President Donald Trump stated Friday that his son, Donald Trump Jr., has reimbursed a Russian oligarch who covered hundreds of thousands of dollars in expenses for the younger Trump's wedding earlier this year. The president commented on the matter, which was previously reported by ProPublica.
“It’s totally allowed, and a lot of people have parties, but it’s totally allowed,” Trump said regarding the gesture by Umar Kremlev, who has ties to Russian President Vladimir Putin. “But as I understand it, he paid him back. He didn’t want to have that, so I hear he paid him back.”
A source familiar with the situation confirmed to The Post that Kremlev was compensated, though no specific amount was disclosed.
"I’ve given wedding parties to numerous people," Trump continued. “They get married. I give them a party. I give them parties at beautiful places like Mar-a-Lago and others. But I’ve given many. With all of that being said, I understand that Don’s paid him back.”
Earlier this week, ProPublica reported that Kremlev, who also heads the International Boxing Association, paid for several expenses related to the May 21 wedding of Donald Trump Jr. and Bettina Anderson. These costs included securing an additional private island for the reception and a fireworks display.
Bettina Trump had previously defended the arrangement, describing Kremlev as a "close friend" who was acting in that capacity when he covered the wedding costs.