Couple confirms Russian businessman funded Trump Jr. post-wedding celebrations

Donald Trump Jr. and Bettina Trump confirmed Umar Kremlev funded two nights of their post-wedding Bahamas celebrations after ProPublica reported the arrangement on September 14, 2026. Bettina Trump posted that "our dear friend Umar very generously hosted two incredible nights of celebrations for us AFTER our wedding." The couple called it "an extraordinarily generous wedding gift from a friend," saying they married privately "surrounded ONLY by our family" before a planned friends weekend. Reports put guest accommodations at roughly $100,000 per night and fireworks at about $70,000; Kremlev reportedly rented the private island for the reception, with payments through a Dubai-based entity linked to the IBA he leads. The ceremony had 18 attendees; the reception about 50, including a Russian delegation. A Trump Jr. spokesperson called Kremlev "a personal friend of Don" without disputing the payments. President Trump said he did not know Kremlev and that Kremlev did not pay for the ceremony; Eric Trump representatives denied knowing him. Kremlev received Putin's Order of Friendship in April 2026, belongs to the Night Wolves, and is linked to Healthy Fatherland, sanctioned by Ukraine. Gazprom is now the IBA's sole sponsor under his leadership. Retired FBI official Frank Montoya Jr. said, "If I'm paying for your wedding, at some point, you're going to owe me something," and "This should be unthinkable for the son of the president. End of story." The couple stated "NO CONSPIRACY, NO MYSTERY" and that it was unfortunate a personal event was "recast as something political or sinister simply because of who someone is or where they come from."