Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez stated on Monday that the Trump administration is selling out every American citizen, following reports that a Russian oligarch helped fund the wedding of Donald Trump Jr. As reported by The Hill, the lawmaker made her comments after information surfaced regarding the involvement of Umar Kremlev, a Russian oligarch with ties to Russian President Vladimir Putin, in the wedding festivities held this past May.
According to a report published Monday, Kremlev allegedly covered hundreds of thousands of dollars in expenses related to the event. The report, which cites records and three sources with knowledge of the celebration, claims that Kremlev helped rent a private island and paid for a fireworks display. While the couple legally married in West Palm Beach, Florida, according to county records, the larger celebration took place on a private island in the Bahamas.
“I mean, as we’ve seen, these guys are in the pocket of everyone but the American people. It’s profoundly disturbing,” Ocasio-Cortez said. She added, “I said it two years ago, and I’m saying it again. This administration … they are selling out every single person in this country for a buck, and it’s disgusting.” The lawmaker also remarked, “And for what? To have a couple of extra frills at your wedding? It’s disgusting.”
Bettina Trump has defended the presence of their friend, Umar Kremlev
Bettina Trump, a model and influencer who is married to Donald Trump Jr., addressed the report by defending the involvement of their friend on social media. She wrote, “Our dear friend Umar very generously hosted two incredible nights of celebrations for us AFTER our wedding.” She went on to clarify their perspective on the gift, stating, “It was an extraordinarily generous wedding gift from a friend, and something for which we were and remain incredibly grateful.”
Calls for more information regarding the nature of these gifts have already begun in Washington. Rep. Robert Garcia, who serves as the ranking member on the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee, has publicly demanded clarity on the situation.
Garcia took to the social platform X to voice his concerns about the financial connection. “Why did a Russian oligarch close to Putin fund Trump Jr.’s wedding in the Bahamas? Umar Kremlev spent hundreds of thousands of dollars on the President’s son. What did he get in return? We need answers,” Garcia wrote.
Published: Sep 15, 2026 03:31 pm