House Democrats are demanding answers from Donald Trump Jr. regarding his relationship with Russian oligarch Umar Kremlev, president of the International Boxing Association. Representative Jesus Garcia sent a letter to Trump Jr. stating that his praise for an "extraordinarily generous wedding gift" from Kremlev raises "serious questions about pay-to-play schemes and foreign intelligence infiltration of the President’s family."
A spokesperson for Trump Jr. did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Garcia also inquired whether the White House was aware of Trump Jr.’s "friendly relationship" with Kremlev and if Kremlev’s involvement in the wedding was a factor in President Donald Trump’s decision not to attend the ceremony.
In a statement, President Donald Trump said he has "no idea who Umar is" and that he has "never heard of him, and he didn’t pay for Don and Bettina’s wedding, which took place at a totally different location, and on a different day from the wedding." The president added, "It was an ‘afterparty’ given in their honor. Not a big deal! I was not present at the party."
Kremlev has received an Order of Friendship medal from Russian President Vladimir Putin for his "contribution to international sport and his commitment to the global boxing family." The Ukrainian government has sanctioned Kremlev due to his close ties to Putin and Russian security services.