Eric Trump Responds to Reports on Donald Trump Jr.'s Wedding Funded by Russian Oligarch

<figure><img alt="FILE PHOTO: Donald Trump Jr. and Eric Trump gesture outside the Nasdaq building after ringing the opening bell to celebrate the closing of ALT5’s $1.5 billion offering and adoption of its $WLFI Treasury Strategy at the Nasdaq Market, in New York City, U.S., August 13, 2025. The president’s sons are co-founders of World Liberty crypto group and have promoted WorldClaw on social media platform X. REUTERS/Eduardo Munoz/File Photo" src="https://thedailybeast-thedailybeast-prod.web.arc-cdn.net/resizer/v2/4CIECHI57FAWLIEDD5CBATDAP4.JPG?auth=e06789a457e34cc0ac122b051f80fff9792fd7b9ea05a54e854d65b4bf7d4c80&amp;smart=true&amp;width=4800&amp;height=2700" /><figcaption>Eduardo Munoz / REUTERS</figcaption></figure><p>Eric Trump stated that he is not familiar with a Russian oligarch linked to Vladimir Putin who reportedly financed the wedding of his brother, Donald Trump Jr. ProPublica reported on September 14, 2026, that Umar Kremlev, the head of the International Boxing Association, covered significant expenses for the wedding held in May in the Bahamas.</p><p>Kremlev, who did not attend the wedding ceremony but was present at the subsequent celebration, allegedly paid for costs including the rental of a private island and a fireworks display.</p><p>Following the report, Donald Trump Jr. and his wife, Bettina Trump, issued a statement on Instagram acknowledging their relationship with Kremlev, describing him as a “dear friend” who generously hosted celebrations after their wedding.</p><p>Eric Trump, through a spokesperson, claimed he has no knowledge of Kremlev, stating, “Eric has absolutely no clue who this person is, nor has never heard his name.”</p><p>Despite being listed among the approximately 50 guests at the wedding, Eric Trump’s spokesperson emphasized that he does not consider Kremlev a friend and was honored to attend his brother's wedding.</p><p>Kremlev’s office indicated that he and Donald Trump Jr. have a friendly relationship and that they first met a few years ago. They also stated that Kremlev has never discussed political matters with his American acquaintances.</p><p>Concerns have been raised regarding the implications of Kremlev's financial contributions to the wedding of the son of a former president. Frank Montoya Jr., a retired FBI official, commented on the situation, suggesting that such financial support could create a sense of obligation.</p><p>Former President Donald Trump did not attend his son's wedding, citing scheduling conflicts, but shortly after the event, he announced plans to attend a New York Knicks game.</p><p>Eric Trump has not publicly commented on the ProPublica report regarding Kremlev following its publication.</p>