US Republican calls for probe into Donald Trump Jr’s business dealings

Senator John Curtis, a Utah Republican, has urged the Senate Judiciary Committee to investigate foreign business ties and gifts involving Donald Trump Jr., saying reports have created questions about foreign access to members of the president's family. In a letter to the committee's leaders, Curtis cited a ProPublica story that reported a Russian oligarch funded events tied to Trump Jr.'s Bahamian wedding celebrations in May. Curtis argued the reports could create actual or perceived expectations of favorable treatment and potentially introduce national security vulnerabilities. He also asked the committee to issue subpoenas for both Donald Trump Jr. and Hunter Biden, saying the country should not apply different standards to families of presidents from different parties. The request adds to a small but growing number of Republicans publicly critical of President Trump amid low approval ratings and concerns that could affect the midterm elections. The Senate Judiciary Committee, which is under Republican control, acknowledged receipt of Curtis's letter but did not indicate whether it would open an inquiry. Responses to the ProPublica report and Curtis's call have varied: Trump Jr. and his wife issued a statement saying the Russian figure, Umar Kremlev, was a "dear friend" who hosted celebrations after the wedding; President Trump said his son reimbursed Kremlev. Hunter Biden, whose past business dealings drew Republican scrutiny, responded on social media inviting the committee to subpoena him and to hold joint testimony with Trump Jr., while Senate Democrat Dick Durbin said ignoring Curtis's request would risk complicity in a coverup. Curtis's office did not immediately comment on what prompted his letter or whether other Republicans would back an investigation.