Russian official questions why Trump Jr. paid back wedding expenses

A Russian boxing official confirmed that Donald Trump Jr. reimbursed him for covering wedding expenses, but questioned why the payment was made.

Umar Kremlev, who leads the International Boxing Association, spoke during a press conference in Istanbul on Tuesday. He acknowledged the repayment but expressed confusion over the transaction, calling the expectation of a bill ridiculous.

Records reviewed by ProPublica show Kremlev paid hundreds of thousands of dollars for the three-day May wedding of Trump’s eldest son and Bettina Anderson. The funds came from a Dubai entity linked to the boxing association and covered a private island rental, guest accommodations, and a fireworks display.

President Donald Trump addressed the financial arrangement on Wednesday. “It’s totally allowed,” President Donald Trump said. “But, as I understand it, he paid them back.” He added that funding wedding parties is common practice.

Bettina Anderson previously clarified the matter in a social media post, describing Kremlev as a dear friend who hosted celebration events after the ceremony. She thanked him for the generous gift and emphasized that the couple remained grateful for his support.

“Frankly speaking, I do not understand why he decided to do so,” Kremlev said through an interpreter. He dismissed outside scrutiny, stating that people blew the story out of proportion and insisting his relationship with Trump Jr. is strictly personal.

Kremlev, born Umar Lutfuloyev, served prison sentences for extortion and battery before taking control of the boxing federation in 2020. His leadership has drawn international criticism, leading to the International Olympic Committee stripping the organization of its recognition in 2023 over governance concerns. The federation now relies on funding from Russian state energy giant Gazprom.

The financial exchange surfaces amid ongoing scrutiny of Trump Jr.’s ties to Russian figures. During the 2016 presidential campaign, he faced criticism for meeting a Russian attorney at Trump Tower regarding information about his father’s political opponent. Those interactions later became central to investigations into foreign election interference.

The discussion also coincides with Russia’s continued military campaign in Ukraine following its 2022 invasion.