Comment Re:No surprises (Score 1) 70
Throwing money in trump's direction, you say?
AI Overview
Investigative reports by organizations like ProPublica, Reuters, and the Center for American Progress describe various financial conduits connecting Russian oligarchs and elites to figures and family members within the Trump orbit through real estate, shell companies, and direct gifts.
Luxury Real Estate Purchases
According to a Reuters special report, at least 63 individuals with Russian passports or addresses bought at least $98.4 million worth of property in seven Trump-branded luxury towers in southern Florida.
Critics and investigators note that cash-heavy luxury real estate purchases provide a way for foreign nationals to move large amounts of money into U.S. assets.
Shell Companies and Campaign Financing
The Center for American Progress reported that Kremlin-linked actors used anonymous bank accounts, shell corporations, and wire transfers to move millions around the 2016 campaign and presidential inauguration.
In 2018, public documents released by attorney Michael Avenatti alleged that a firm linked to Russian billionaire Viktor Vekselberg deposited $500,000 into a shell company controlled by Donald Trump's former personal attorney, Michael Cohen.
Direct Event Funding and Personal Gifts
A September 2026 investigation by ProPublica revealed that Russian oligarch Umar Kremlev bankrolled hundreds of thousands of dollars in expenses for Donald Trump Jr.’s wedding after-party in the Bahamas.
ProPublica reported that Kremlev—who has close ties to Russian President Vladimir Putin—paid for private island rentals and fireworks through a Dubai-based entity.
Donald Trump Jr. and his wife acknowledged the funding on social media and called Kremlev a personal friend. President Donald Trump later stated that his son would repay the money to Kremlev.
Things that make you go, "Hmmmm"