The Russian oligarch who helped bankroll Donald Trump Jr.’s wedding celebrations says the president’s son paid him back — and he’s struggling to understand why.
Umar Kremlev confirmed the repayment Tuesday at an International Boxing Association press conference in Istanbul, the Daily Beast reported.
“Frankly speaking, I do not understand why he decided to do so,” Kremlev said through an interpreter.
The extravagant wedding gift drew bipartisan criticism on Capitol Hill last month after ProPublica reported that Kremlev, an ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin, bankrolled hundreds of thousands of dollars in celebrations surrounding Trump Jr.’s wedding in the Bahamas, including renting a private island.
Kremlev appeared mystified by the attention, comparing his gift to inviting guests to his country house.
“There are all kinds of events organized by all kinds of people,” Kremlev said. “It is as if I invite you to come and visit my country house. Would you expect me to issue an invoice to them afterward? he asked, calling the idea “ridiculous.”
The newlywed couple previously acknowledged that Kremlev hosted two nights of celebrations after their wedding, describing him as a “dear friend.”
President Donald Trump defended the arrangement in the Oval Office, telling reporters it was “totally allowed,” and adding that he understood his son had repaid the money.
Kremlev dismissed the controversy Tuesday, reportedly saying that “people blew it out of proportion.”
“I mean, why can’t we be friends? We are just friends,” he continued. “We are simply friends and what unites us is love for sports.”