Donald Trump Jr.’s wife defends wedding gift from Russian oligarch

Influencer and model Bettina Trump, the wife of Donald Trump Jr., defended the couple’s wedding gift given to them by Russian oligarch Umar Kremlev.

“Apparently our wedding is making headlines again, so a little clarity seems in order,” Bettina Trump wrote on Instagram . “Don and I got married privately … surrounded ONLY by our family. It was intimate, deeply personal and one of the most beautiful days of our lives.”

ProPublica first reported that the Caribbean-set wedding was heavily funded by Kremlev , who has ties to Russian President Vladimir Putin. Kremlev was also among the roughly 50 people at the private ceremony. The billionaire has been regarded as an adversary of the U.S., has been accused of attempting to influence American elections and was recently seen in China as part of a delegation with Putin.

Retired FBI official Frank Montoya Jr. told the outlet that oligarchs typically work in coordination with the Russian government.

“If I’m paying for your wedding, at some point, you’re going to owe me something,” Montoya noted, adding that, “This should be unthinkable for the son of the president. End of story.”

Bettina Trump wrote that Kremlev “very generously hosted two incredible nights of celebrations for us AFTER our wedding.”

“It’s unfortunate that something so personal and happy can be recast as something political or sinister simply because of who someone is or where they come from,” she continued. “Friendship doesn’t require a political motive. Generosity doesn’t automatically come with an agenda. And sometimes a wedding gift is simply a wedding gift.”

The new wife of President Trump’s eldest son shared photos of their wedding, quipping that she did this because “fake news travels fast.” Many of the photos shared by the Trumps do not include any of the Russian guests, though the top of Kremlev’s head can be seen in a photo shared by a friend of hers.

“So, for anyone determined not to let the facts get in the way of a good story: NO CONSPIRACY , NO MYSTERY,” Bettina Trump wrote. “Just a private family wedding, a wonderful weekend with friends and one hell of a party.”

A spokesperson for Trump Jr. did not dispute Kremlev’s wedding payments to ProPublica and said the Russian oligarch was a personal friend of the president’s son. He added that Kremlev is “not someone he has a business relationship with” and said they bonded over their interest in boxing and the outdoors.

Their engagement was first announced in December. The president was unable to attend the May wedding, telling reporters at the time that he felt it was important to stay in Washington.

“He’d like me to go, but it’s going to be just a small, little private affair, and I’m going to try and make it. I’m in the midst — I said, ‘You know, this is not good timing for me, I have a thing called Iran and other things,'” Trump said, referring to the Iran war.