Photo Credit: Getty Images
Donald Trump Jr. and his wife, Bettina Trump, have confirmed that Russian businessman Umar Kremlev helped fund two nights of celebrations surrounding their May wedding in the Bahamas, describing the contribution as a generous gift from a friend.
The couple addressed the arrangement in a jointly signed statement posted on Bettina Trump’s Instagram account after investigative outlet ProPublica reported that Kremlev had spent hundreds of thousands of dollars on the festivities.
“Our dear friend Umar very generously hosted two incredible nights of celebrations for us AFTER our wedding,” the couple said. “It was an extraordinarily generous wedding gift from a friend, and something for which we were and remain incredibly grateful.” According to ProPublica, the couple married on a private island in the Bahamas before holding a two-day celebration on another island that rents for approximately $100,000 per night.
The report said Kremlev also covered other expenses, including a fireworks display costing about $70,000. President Donald Trump did not attend the wedding or the related festivities, saying he had to remain in Washington during talks concerning the Iran war.
Kremlev heads the International Boxing Association, which has faced scrutiny over its financial governance and other issues. The International Olympic Committee severed ties with the organisation following repeated concerns over its governance and ethics. The IBA has also received funding from Russian state-backed energy company Gazprom, while the Olympic movement had raised concerns about the organisation’s financial relationship with the company.
Kremlev has had documented interactions with Russian President Vladimir Putin. In April 2026, Putin awarded him Russia’s Order of Friendship, according to an IBA statement that included a photograph of the two men shaking hands. “During the ceremony, the Russian President praised the IBA's resilience in supporting athletes despite political pressures,” the IBA said. Kremlev was also reportedly part of a delegation that travelled to China with Putin earlier in the year.
