Donald Trump Jr and Bettina Trump say Putin ally paid for some wedding festivities as a ‘gift’

President Donald Trump's eldest son, Donald Trump Jr., and his bride Bettina Trump have confirmed that a Russian businessman, Umar Kremlev, generously paid for lavish post-wedding festivities in the Bahamas in May. The couple's Instagram post thanked Kremlev for hosting two incredible nights, expressing gratitude for the extraordinarily generous gift from a dear friend. President Trump himself did not attend the wedding or the festivities, citing his need to remain in Washington for talks on the Iran war.

Kremlev, who heads the International Boxing Association (IBA), is a figure with Kremlin ties. Russian President Vladimir Putin awarded Kremlev the Order of Friendship in April 2026, praising the IBA's resilience in supporting athletes despite political pressures. The IBA website featured photos of Donald Trump Jr. with Kremlev at an event in Istanbul in September 2025.

Bettina Trump's Instagram post, accompanied by 20 images including shots of the newlyweds on a beach and other family members, emphasized that the event was personal and happy. However, the story also revealed Kremlev's background. ProPublica, an investigative website, reported that Kremlev is a Tajik native, a mid-level boxing promoter with connections to Russia's Federal Protective Service, and a member of the pro-Kremlin Night Wolves biker club.

Members of this club were present in Ukraine's Crimea peninsula following its annexation by Russia in March 2014, and some have fought alongside pro-Russian separatists in eastern Ukraine.