Who helped pay for Don Jr.’s wedding celebrations?
Umar Kremlev, a Russian businessman with ties to Vladimir Putin, helped finance celebrations surrounding Donald Trump Jr.’s Bahamas wedding, according to reporting published Monday. Bettina Trump acknowledged that he hosted two nights of festivities and described the contribution as a generous gift from a friend. Our reel puts a face to the name and asks why someone so close to Russian power is paying for celebrations involving the president’s family.
Sources: Associated Press · Original reel
Eric Trump’s helicopter video raises a taxpayer question
Eric Trump posted footage of himself and his children riding in a military helicopter during the family’s visit to Ireland with the president. The trip combined official meetings with time at Trump’s Doonbeg golf property, and the video prompted our question about the public resources involved. When a wealthy president’s family gets this kind of access, Americans deserve a clear account of the costs.
Sources: Reporting on the helicopter video · Original reel
A fence dispute ends with the crew taking it back
In the video we shared, a confrontation with a fence crew is followed by the workers dismantling the fence. Our narration describes an Illinois homeowner who refused to pay the Hispanic workers and ordered them off the property. The striking part is the response: the crew returns with a sledgehammer and leaves with the pieces.
Sources: Original reel
Don Jr.’s spa treatment brings an old Trump insult back into focus
Pure Skin Palm Beach said it provided Donald Trump Jr. with Ultherapy treatments to define his jawline before his wedding. Our point is the double standard: Donald Trump publicly mocked Mika Brzezinski over a facelift in 2017, yet cosmetic treatment is apparently a very different subject when it involves his own family. There is nothing wrong with choosing a treatment; the question is whether Trump applies his own standard consistently.
Sources: Reporting on the spa’s post · Original reel
DHS whistleblower alleges unlawful voter-record searches
A whistleblower complaint released Monday alleges that DHS personnel were directed to access state voter information in ways that could violate state law as part of an initiative looking for noncitizen voters. Senators Chuck Schumer and Alex Padilla called for the initiative to stop, while DHS said it was focused on preventing unlawful voting. The allegations demand scrutiny: an election-related investigation must not become a reason to disregard the rules protecting voters.
Sources: Associated Press · Schumer and Padilla’s announcement · Original reel
McConnell returns for his first Senate vote since June
Mitch McConnell was seen leaving his Washington home in a wheelchair before returning to the Senate on Monday for his first vote since June. His extended absence followed a fall and hospitalization, and our reel captures the moment he reappeared. For constituents who had gone months without seeing him at work, his return was a significant development.
Sources: Associated Press · Original reel
Which story stood out to you? Share the Catch-Up with someone who missed it.