Statements in Istanbul

Russian businessman Umar Kremlev stated at an International Boxing Association press conference in Istanbul on Tuesday that Donald Trump Jr. repaid him for money spent hosting celebration events following his wedding. Kremlev, who serves as president of the boxing organization, confirmed the repayment while expressing confusion over why the president's eldest son chose to return the funds.

“Frankly speaking, I do not understand why he decided to do so. There are all kinds of events organized by all kinds of people. It is as if I invite you to come and visit my country house. Would you expect me to issue an invoice to them afterward?”

Kremlev called the idea of issuing an invoice ridiculous and stated that their connection was based on friendship and a shared interest in sports. Neither Kremlev nor the Trump family provided financial records or receipts to document the reimbursement.

Bahamas celebrations and financing

The funding dispute involves events following the May 2026 wedding of Donald Trump Jr. and socialite Bettina Anderson in the Bahamas. A report published on 14 September 2026 by ProPublica detailed that Kremlev paid hundreds of thousands of dollars in expenses. These expenses included renting one of two private islands used for guest accommodations and a reception, as well as an elaborate fireworks display. Financial records indicated that the money came from an entity in Dubai connected to the International Boxing Association.

Bettina Trump addressed the reports in an Instagram post signed by the couple, stating that the wedding ceremony itself took place in the presence of family members only, while Kremlev hosted two nights of post-wedding festivities as a gift. Kremlev confirmed that he did not attend the private wedding ceremony, maintaining that the celebrations were a shared event.

Presidential response and congressional review

President Donald Trump addressed the funding on 18 September 2026, stating that the financial support was permissible under existing rules and that his son had already repaid the costs. The president stated that friends frequently finance celebration events, noting to Axios that he did not attend the post-wedding party, was unfamiliar with Kremlev, and that the private wedding took place at a separate location on a different day.

“It's totally allowed. But, as I understand it, he paid them back.”

The payments prompted scrutiny from lawmakers in Washington. Representative Robert Garcia of California, a ranking Democrat on the House Oversight Committee, sent a formal letter to White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles to examine the financial transactions involving the president's son and foreign business figures.

Kremlev profile and Kremlin connections

Kremlev holds several business interests in Russia, including the national lottery, and is a business partner of Russian President Vladimir Putin's chief bodyguard. In April 2026, Putin awarded Kremlev the state Order of Friendship. The International Olympic Committee previously severed ties with the International Boxing Association under Kremlev's tenure. Prior to the wedding, Trump Jr. appeared on stage alongside Kremlev during an event in Istanbul in September 2025.