Trump Says Son Repaid Russian Businessman for Wedding Funding

President Donald Trump confirmed on September 18, 2026, that his son, Donald Trump Jr., reimbursed Russian businessman Umar Kremlev for funding post-wedding celebrations in the Bahamas earlier this year. Trump told reporters that when he inquired about the matter after hearing reports, his son assured him the money was being paid back. "When I heard the story, I asked him, and he said, 'I'm paying him back, Dad,' and that was a while ago," Trump stated. The comments followed reports that Kremlev, who heads the International Boxing Association, covered hundreds of thousands of dollars for events after Trump Jr.'s wedding in May. The expenses included renting a private island for guests and a fireworks display. Trump Jr. and his wife, Bettina Trump, had acknowledged Kremlev's involvement in an Instagram post, describing him as a "dear friend" who hosted two nights of festivities as a gift. They rejected suggestions that the arrangement had a political motive. Kremlev is a Russian businessman with close ties to President Vladimir Putin.