Republican Senator Thom Tillis has criticised Donald Trump Jr.’s Caribbean wedding party, funded by Russian oligarch Umar Kremlev, calling it “stupid on stilts.” Kremlev, linked to Vladimir Putin, financed the celebrations for Trump Jr. and socialite Bettina Anderson’s wedding in the Bahamas earlier this year.
As calls grow among Republicans for an investigation into Trump Jr., Tillis, who is set to retire in January, expressed disbelief over the situation while speaking on CNN’s State of the Union. He remarked, “You’d think somebody would’ve gotten a memo of a bad look,” referring to the extravagant funding from a Russian oligarch.
Tillis questioned how this helps the Republican Party ahead of the upcoming elections, stating, “I can’t imagine,” and urged Trump Jr. to explain the financial ties. Kremlev, who leads the International Boxing Association, contributed to a private island venue and fireworks for the wedding. On social media, Bettina Anderson described him as a “dear friend” who hosted additional celebrations.
Trump defended the funding, claiming it was “totally allowed” and asserting that his son would cover the costs. However, several Republicans, including Senator John Curtis from Utah, are calling for a Senate Judiciary Committee investigation into Trump Jr.’s business dealings and whether he benefited financially due to his relationship with his father.
Curtis suggested that Trump Jr. should face scrutiny akin to that directed at Hunter Biden, the son of former President Joe Biden. He proposed an investigation into the use of presidential family relationships for financial gain. Senators Tillis and John Cornyn also expressed support for this investigation, while Senator Lisa Murkowski stated that the issue transcends party lines.
