Republican Senator Calls Trump Jr.’s Wedding ‘Stupid on Stilts’ Amid Putin Ally Funding

Republican senator slams Trump Jr.'s wedding funded by Putin-linked oligarch, calling it 'stupid on stilts' and urging investigation.

Editorial Desk

September 29, 2026 2 Min Read

POLICY WIRE — Washington, D.C. — A Republican senator has criticized Donald Trump Jr.’s Caribbean wedding, which was partially funded by a Russian oligarch linked to Vladimir Putin, calling the event ‘stupid on stilts.’

Senate retiree Thom Tillis, who will leave office in January, expressed concern over the involvement of Umar Kremlev, a close associate of the Russian leader, in financing the May wedding of Trump Jr. and socialite Bettina Anderson in the Bahamas.

Tillis told CNN that he believes the situation is questionable and urged the Judiciary Committee to determine if an investigation is warranted. He questioned the judgment of allowing a foreign oligarch to fund such an event, especially during a critical election period.

According to records reviewed by ProPublica, Kremlev, head of the International Boxing Association, covered costs for a private island and fireworks at the wedding. Trump Jr.’s wife described Kremlev as a “dear friend” who hosted celebrations after the ceremony.

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President Trump defended the arrangement, stating it was totally allowed, though he claimed his son would repay the funds. This led to calls from within the GOP for an inquiry into whether Trump Jr. benefited financially from his father’s political status.

Senator John Curtis of Utah urged the Senate Judiciary Committee to subpoena Trump Jr., comparing the situation to the scrutiny faced by Hunter Biden. He argued that both presidential sons should be held to the same standard regarding foreign influence and financial dealings.

Two Republican senators, Tillis and Texas’s John Cornyn, supported the investigation. Meanwhile, Alaska’s Lisa Murkowski praised the move, emphasizing that accountability should apply regardless of political affiliation.

Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)

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