Senator Bill Cassidy (R-LA) called for proof on Sunday that Donald Trump Jr. repaid a Russian oligarch who financed his wedding. Cassidy raised concerns about Umar Kremlev, president of the International Boxing Association and a Putin ally, funding the celebration.
Speaking on CBS News's Face the Nation, Cassidy said a $250,000 gift from someone with strong Kremlin ties is wrong, especially given Trump Jr.'s proximity to presidential power.
"You, with that proximity to power, being the president's son, you've got to give faith to the American people that Washington is not a swamp," Cassidy said. "Even though in your mind it might be a gift, the appearance of it is really bad."
The funding from Kremlev, first reported last week, covered significant expenses, including the rental of a private island for the reception and guest accommodations. Donald Trump Jr. and his wife, Bettina, confirmed on Monday that Kremlev partially paid for their wedding celebrations in May.
President Donald Trump defended the arrangement on Friday, telling reporters in the Oval Office that such parties are "totally allowed" and that his son repaid Kremlev. "As I understand it, he paid him back. He didn't want to have that, so I hear he paid him back," Trump said.
Trump added: "I guess a friend of his gave him a wedding party. That's very common. I've heard of many people giving wedding parties."
Neither President Trump nor the Trump Organization has provided evidence of the repayment.
Cassidy emphasized the need for verification. "I'm glad it's been repaid. Would be nice to have that kind of verified, and know it shouldn't have been done in the first place," he said.
Cassidy's public comments are notable given his contentious history with the Trump family. He lost his primary election to a Trump-backed Republican and faced years of criticism from President Trump after voting to convict him in his second impeachment.
