‘Stupid on Stilts’: GOP Senator Slams Donald Trump Jr. Over Wedding Funded by Putin Ally, Warns of Midterm Fallout

Republican Senator Thom Tillis sharply criticized the Bahamas celebrations tied to Donald Trump Jr.'s wedding, calling the event — partially financed by a Russian oligarch with ties to Vladimir Putin — "stupid on stilts." Tillis, who represents North Carolina and is retiring when his term ends in January, made the remarks on CNN's State of the Union as growing calls for an inquiry emerged within his party.

Tillis said he would defer to the chairs of the Senate Judiciary Committee on whether to subpoena the president's son, but he stressed the political and ethical problems the arrangement creates. "Folks, this was stupid on stilts," he told hosts. "To have a Russian oligarch who's actually traveled in a delegation to Beijing fund some sort of island wedding for a very wealthy family that also happens to be related to the president? Come on, guys, this is amateur hour."

'To have a Russian oligarch who's actually traveled in a delegation to Beijing fund some sort of island wedding for a very wealthy family that also happens to be related to the president? Come on, guys, this is amateur hour,' Tillis said. (CNN)

"We got an election to win in 37 days. How this helps…I can't imagine," Tillis added, warning that the optics could harm Republican prospects in the midterms.

According to records reviewed by ProPublica, Umar Kremlev — head of the International Boxing Association and an ally of the Russian government — helped cover the cost of a private island rental and a fireworks display for two nights of celebrations held after Donald Trump Jr.'s May wedding to socialite Bettina Anderson in the Bahamas. On Instagram, Anderson described Kremlev as a "dear friend" who "very generously hosted two incredible nights of celebrations for us AFTER our wedding."

President Donald Trump defended the arrangement on Sept. 18, telling reporters: "It's totally allowed," and indicating he believed his son was repaying the benefactors. Still, the revelation prompted bipartisan scrutiny within Washington over whether presidential family members receive special access or financial benefits because of their ties to the president.

Donald Trump Jr. and his wife Bettina Anderson had some of their May wedding paid for by an ally of Russian president Vladimir Putin (Getty)

Calls For Investigation

Senator John Curtis of Utah formally asked the Senate Judiciary Committee to subpoena Trump Jr. and investigate his business dealings, relationships with foreign actors, and any gifts or benefits received as a result of being the president's son. Curtis urged that Trump Jr. face scrutiny comparable to investigations of other presidential family members, including Hunter Biden.

Two Republicans on the Judiciary Committee — Tillis and Texas Senator John Cornyn — signaled support for probing the matter. Alaska Senator Lisa Murkowski also welcomed Curtis's request and called for nonpartisan scrutiny: "It doesn't make any difference if you're Republican or Democrat, if you're Trump or you're Biden."

Senator John Curtis is asking the Senate Judiciary Committee to investigate presidential family members, including a report that a Russian oligarch helped pay for the wedding party of Donald Trump Jr. (Getty)

Why It Matters

Lawmakers argue the controversy raises questions about whether foreign interests can gain influence or privileged access by paying for lavish events connected to presidential family members. With key midterm elections imminent, several Republicans warned the episode could be a political liability.

Reporting contributed by The Associated Press. Key financial details cited from ProPublica reporting.