A Russian businessman with reported ties to the Kremlin paid for celebrations following the wedding of Donald Trump Jr. and Bettina Trump.
The couple confirmed the arrangement on Monday, describing Umar Kremlev as a close friend who generously hosted two nights of festivities in the Bahamas in May.
Trump Jr. Confirms Wedding Gift
Donald Trump Jr. and Bettina Trump addressed the matter in a jointly signed post on Bettina’s Instagram account.
They said Kremlev hosted two celebrations after their wedding and described the spending as an extremely generous wedding gift.
The confirmation followed a report by investigative outlet ProPublica. The report said Kremlev paid hundreds of thousands of dollars for the wedding-related parties.
The couple said they remained grateful for the gesture. They also criticized suggestions that the celebrations should be viewed through a political lens.
President Donald Trump did not attend the wedding or the related festivities. He remained in Washington during discussions concerning the Iran war.
Kremlev Has Links to Russian Leadership
Kremlev is the head of the International Boxing Association (IBA).
The International Olympic Committee previously ended its relationship with the IBA following concerns over the organization’s financial governance and ethical standards.
Kremlev has also maintained close links with Russian leadership.
Russian President Vladimir Putin presented him with the Order of Friendship in April 2026, according to an IBA statement.
The organization published photographs showing Putin and Kremlev together during the ceremony.
The IBA has also published photographs of Donald Trump Jr. appearing alongside Kremlev at an event in Istanbul in September 2025.
Reports Detail Kremlev’s Russian Connections
Russian investigative outlet Proekt has reported that Kremlev was born in Tajikistan and began his career as a boxing promoter.
The outlet reported that he later developed connections with Russia’s Federal Protective Service, which is responsible for protecting senior government officials.
Kremlev has also been associated with the pro-Kremlin Night Wolves motorcycle club, according to Proekt.
The group became internationally known after members traveled to Crimea following Russia’s 2014 annexation of the territory. Some members have also fought alongside pro-Russian separatists in eastern Ukraine.
Bettina Trump’s post included photographs from the wedding celebrations. The images showed the newlyweds and members of the Trump family.
The couple said they believed it was unfair to portray a private celebration as political because of Kremlev’s background or nationality.
The disclosure has nevertheless drawn renewed attention to Kremlev’s relationship with the Trump family and his connections within Russia.
