Democrats begin investigation into relationship Donald Trump Jr. has with Russian oligarch

The Democratic Party launched an investigation into Donald Trump Jr. on September 14, following his admission with his wife, Bettina Trump, that their extravagant wedding getaway was partly funded by Russian oligarch Umar Kremlev, who has close ties to Russian President Vladimir Putin. The Democratic Rep. Robert Garcia, Ranking Member of the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee, expressed concern over any potential ties to members of Putin's inner circle, which could lead to pay-to-play schemes and foreign intelligence infiltration of Trump's family.

Garcia addressed White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles in a letter, demanding records and communications regarding Trump Jr.'s relationship with Kremlev, as well as any steps taken to investigate Kremlev's access to Trump Jr. or financial connections between the two men. Kremlev is associated with the Russian group "Healthy Fatherland," run by his sister-in-law and sanctioned by Ukraine for its involvement in the illegal abduction of Ukrainian children from occupied territories.

The Oversight Committee has requested the White House to provide documents, records, and communications with Trump Jr. concerning Kremlev. Given Trump Jr.'s reported role in advising his father, the U.S. President, on national security and White House personnel vetting, close scrutiny of any possible foreign entanglement is necessary.