Key facts
- President Donald Trump said his son has repaid a Russian oligarch for hosting post-wedding festivities in the Bahamas.
- Trump stated the practice of giving wedding parties for others is "totally allowed" and "very common".
- The oligarch, Umar Kremlev, is described as having close ties to Russian President Vladimir Putin.
- Kremlev's office stated he and Trump Jr. have a friendly relationship.
- Ethics watchdog groups have raised concerns about the appearance of a conflict of interest.
President Donald Trump said his son, Donald Trump Jr., has repaid a Russian oligarch for hosting post-wedding festivities in the Bahamas. Trump stated that such practices are "totally allowed" and "very common."
The oligarch, Umar Kremlev, who runs the International Boxing Association (IBA) funded by Gazprom, reportedly paid "hundreds of thousands of dollars" towards two nights of the three-day celebrations. Trump Jr.'s spokesperson told ProPublica that Trump Jr. and Kremlev are personal friends and do not have a business relationship. Kremlev's office told ProPublica they met a few years ago and "have a friendly relationship."