▲ Donald Trump Jr. and his wife Bettina
A Republican U.S. senator from the ruling party has called for an investigation into Donald Trump Jr., the eldest son of U.S. President Donald Trump, over allegations that a Russian oligarch paid for his luxury wedding reception.
Senator John Curtis (R-UT) sent a letter to Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley (R-IA) and Ranking Member Dick Durbin (D-IL) urging an investigation into cases where domestic and foreign stakeholders exploited relationships with the president's family to gain private economic benefits, preferential treatment, or access.
As part of this investigation, he argued that subpoenas should be issued for both Trump Jr. and Hunter Biden, the second son of former President Joe Biden, to testify before Congress.
Curtis pointed out that questions have been raised regarding Trump Jr.'s relationships with foreign business figures and the receipt of substantial gifts. He cited a recent report by the U.S. investigative media outlet ProPublica, which stated that Russian oligarch Umar Kremlev covered hundreds of thousands of dollars in costs for a three-day luxury post-wedding reception following Trump Jr.'s wedding in the Caribbean island nation of the Bahamas last May.
Curtis also noted that Kremlev, known as a close associate of Russian President Vladimir Putin, accompanied Putin on a visit to China prior to footing the bill for the reception.
Curtis further criticized, "These concerns are growing as Trump Jr. is reportedly actively promoting family-backed cryptocurrency ventures, continuing to pursue international real estate deals linked to direct meetings with foreign leaders, and investing in defense contracts."
The U.S. political outlet Politico noted, "President Trump, who has demanded loyalty from the Republican Party, is likely to view Curtis's request not as bipartisan, but as a personal insult."
The Washington Post (WP) evaluated that Curtis is "the latest example of a Republican lawmaker standing up against the Trump administration in recent weeks," adding that it is a rare demand given that the White House controls the Republican Party.
Regarding Hunter Biden, the second son of the former president, Curtis argued for the necessity of his congressional testimony, stating that Hunter "engaged in substantial business with foreign companies, including in China and Ukraine, while his father held public office or prepared to run for president."
Former President Biden issued a preemptive pardon for Hunter on December 1, 2024, just before leaving office, meaning he will not face punishment even if issues are uncovered in the future.
Senate Judiciary Committee Ranking Member Durbin stated, "To be fair, Hunter has already testified before Congress about corrupt practices. Trump Jr. has not. For the committee to ignore this matter risks complicity in a cover-up. I will support Senator Curtis's request."
Politico projected that despite Curtis's request, it remains uncertain whether the Judiciary Committee will conduct an investigation before the current legislative session ends in early January next year, but it is expected to become a contentious issue if Democrats win a majority in either the House or the Senate in the 121st Congress starting next year.
(Photo: AP, Yonhap News)
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