Trump Defends Son’s Wedding Funding by Russian Oligarch, Calls It ‘Totally Allowed’

Washington – In a brief sit‑down in the Oval Office on Friday, President Donald Trump tried to put a reassuring spin on the headlines about his son’s extravagant wedding. The president told reporters that it was “totally allowed” for Donald Trump Jr. to accept financial help from a Russian oligarch.

Trump didn’t shy away from the details. He said he’d been told that his son had already paid the man back, adding, “I hear he paid them back,” without offering any proof or further explanation. The comment seemed aimed at squashing the growing swirl of questions about the source of the funds.

According to a ProPublica report, the money came from Umar Kremlev – a longtime associate of President Vladimir Putin and head of the International Boxing Association. Kremlev allegedly covered a chunk of the costs for renting a private island in the Bahamas, fireworks, and other extravagances that turned a three‑day celebration into a spectacle.

In an Instagram post, the bride, Bettina Anderson, thanked Kremlev, calling him a “dear friend” who “very generously hosted two incredible nights of celebrations for us AFTER our wedding.” The couple’s message highlighted a private ceremony surrounded only by family, yet the lavish after‑party drew a much larger audience – and a lot of scrutiny.

The president, who did not attend the wedding, tried to normalize the arrangement. “That’s very common,” he said, noting he’d hosted wedding parties himself. He implied there was no need for a deep background check on the donor, suggesting a casual, almost familial exchange of favors.

When pressed, Trump recalled a past conversation with his son, saying, “He said, ‘No, I’m paying him back, Dad,’” and that the repayment had occurred “a while ago.” No financial records were presented, leaving the claim largely anecdotal.

Kremlev’s involvement raises eyebrows not just because of the price tag, but also because of his political ties. He was recently awarded Russia’s Order of Friendship by Putin and traveled with the Russian president on a delegation to China, according to state media. The wedding took place while Russia continues its war in Ukraine, a conflict that has kept diplomatic channels tense.

As the story unfolds, critics argue that accepting such a gift could be a conflict of interest, especially given former President Trump’s repeated claims that he could broker a peace deal between Russia and Ukraine. Supporters, however, point to the father’s assertion that the money was repaid as a mitigating factor.

For now, the Trump administration has offered no further comment, and the details of the alleged repayment remain shrouded in mystery.