Donald Trump says his son’s wedding party being bankrolled by a Russian oligarch is ‘totally allowed’

President Donald Trump defended his son's recent wedding party being partially funded by a Russian oligarch on Friday, stating that it is "totally allowed." Trump also mentioned that he had been told the money would be repaid. "And a lot of people have parties and all," Trump said at a press conference in the Oval Office, adding, "But, as I understand it, he paid them back." He further commented, "I hear he paid them back" without providing more details.

ProPublica reported that Umar Kremlev, a close associate of Russian President Vladimir Putin, played a significant role in the financing of Donald Trump Jr.'s and socialite Bettina Anderson's wedding in the Bahamas. Kremlev, who heads the International Boxing Association, helped cover expenses such as renting a private island and a fireworks display. Trump Jr.'s wife, Bettina Trump, described Kremlev as a "dear friend" who "very generously hosted two incredible nights of celebrations for us AFTER our wedding."

Bettina Trump also revealed that her husband was married in a private ceremony surrounded only by family. The president, who did not attend the wedding as he claimed to be too busy, defended Kremlev's involvement as part of the festivities. Trump stated, "a person that he knows — I guess a friend of his — gave him a wedding party," adding, "That's very common," and implying that no background check was conducted for such gifts.

He also mentioned that he had inquired about Kremlev's involvement after hearing about it, with his son reassuring him that he would repay the money.