House Democrat probes Russian funding claims for Trump Jr. event

A top House Democrat has requested documents from the White House and Donald Trump Jr. over reports that a Russian boxing official with Kremlin ties covered hundreds of thousands of dollars in costs for a Bahamas party tied to Trump Jr.'s wedding. The requests from Rep. Robert Garcia, ranking member of the House Oversight Committee, cite ProPublica reporting that Umar Kremlev paid for one of two private islands and a fireworks display at the May event. Garcia described the allegations as potentially the most serious against Trump Jr. to date and asked for communications, a guest list, records of contact with Kremlev, and details on any gifts or purchases by foreign nationals.

Kremlev leads the International Boxing Association, an organization financed in part by Russian state energy company Gazprom. A Trump Jr. spokesperson told ProPublica that Kremlev is a personal friend with no business relationship. Kremlev's office said the two have maintained a friendly relationship for a couple of years without discussing politics. Trump Jr.'s wife, Bettina Anderson, posted on Instagram that it was unfortunate a personal event had been recast as political. President Trump told Axios he has no idea who Kremlev is, that the gathering was a separate afterparty he did not attend, and that it was not the wedding itself.

Garcia's letters seek records of any White House warnings about Kremlev's ties, whether Trump Jr. holds a security clearance, and whether any foreign payments were exchanged for favorable treatment or information. As the minority member on the committee, Garcia can only make voluntary requests at present. Those requests could gain subpoena power if Democrats regain the House majority. No independent financial records confirming the payment amounts or their characterization have been released beyond the ProPublica account.