President Donald Trump said Friday that his son, Donald Trump Jr., repaid a Russian businessman with ties to President Vladimir Putin who spent hundreds of thousands of dollars on his wedding celebrations.
Trump said the arrangement was “totally allowed” when asked whether it was appropriate for his son to accept the gift from Kremlev.
“As I understand it, he paid him back,” Trump told reporters in the Oval Office. Moments later, however, the president suggested the repayment might still be underway, saying, “I understand that Don’s paying them back.”
It remains unclear whether the payment has been completed and, if so, how much. MS NOW has not independently verified the president’s claim. The Washington Post, citing an unnamed person close to Trump Jr., reported that he had repaid Kremlev.
ProPublica reported Monday that Kremlev spent a hefty amount toward Trump Jr.’s May wedding celebrations in the Bahamas, including the rental of a private island and a fireworks display.
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Ebony Davis is a breaking news reporter for MS NOW based in Washington, D.C. She previously worked at CNN as a campaign reporter covering elections and politics.