A Republican senator in the U. S. called for an investigation on Tuesday to determine if President Donald Trump’s family is gaining financially from his presidency. He stated that any perception of family members taking advantage of their position harms public trust in the government.
Senator John Curtis sent a letter to the Senate Judiciary Committee asking for a review of businesses linked to Trump’s eldest son, Donald Trump Jr., and payments made by a Russian oligarch for his wedding celebrations in the Bahamas earlier this year. Congressional Democrats began an inquiry into these wedding payments last week.
Committee chairman Chuck Grassley informed reporters that he would carefully consider the request but warned that making a decision about an investigation could take time. No conclusion was anticipated before the midterm elections on November 3.
This open letter illustrates how some prominent Republicans are trying to distance themselves from the increasingly unpopular president, just six weeks ahead of midterms where his party is defending slim majorities in Congress.
Republican Senate candidates Ashley Hinson and Mike Rogers have pushed for an immediate end to the Iran war, which is an unpopular conflict driving up energy costs and living expenses-top concerns for Americans as they head into election season.
U. S. President Donald Trump visits Ireland Saturday, 12th September 2026 (credit: Reuters/Kylie Cooper)
Voters express worries about Trump’s business activities
Former Maine governor and Republican Paul Le Page has criticized Trump’s approach to deporting undocumented immigrants, arguing that enforcement should focus more on gang members and violent offenders.
“I don’t think it’s the dam breaking,” said Republican Senator Thom Tillis from North Carolina when asked about how significant the candidates’ comments were. “But they need room to voice whatever real concerns they have because voters share those worries.”
Unlike Rogers, Hinson, and Le Page, Curtis from Utah isn’t up for re-election until 2030. Tillis will retire in January.
Recent polling by Reuters/Ipsos showed Trump’s approval rating at 32%, its lowest ever, with support for electing Republicans also dwindling ahead of the midterms.
When asked about Republicans in critical battleground states wanting an end to the Iran war, U. S. Vice President JD Vance commented it was “completely reasonable that Republicans are going to tailor their campaign messages.”
‘Valid questions’ regarding access to Trump
In his letter, Curtis urged the Senate committee to investigate relationships within presidential families and any potential leverage exerted by domestic or foreign entities-highlighting wedding festivities costing hundreds of thousands paid for by Russian oligarch Umar Kremlev for Trump Jr.’s celebration.
Curtis raised issues concerning Trump Jr.’s business activities as well, including promoting cryptocurrency, real estate ventures, prediction market platforms, and more while his father occupies the White House.
“These reports raise valid questions about foreign access to members of a sitting president’s family and whether such ties can create real or perceived expectations of preferential treatment,” he wrote. “They may also lead to expectations of reciprocal favors that.. could pose national security risks.”
Last week, Trump stated that his son is repaying Kremlev but provided no further details.
The Trumps have defended their family’s business dealings while Trump is serving as president and rejected claims of any conflicts of interest by pointing out a trust managed by Trump Jr. and Eric Trump.
Representatives for Trump Jr. did not respond when requested for comment.
A spokesperson confirmed that the Senate committee received Curtis’s letter but mentioned there was “extremely limited” time available this year for hearings.
He also referenced past congressional investigations concerning Hunter Biden-Joe Biden’s son-and argued standards should apply equally across political parties.
“The country shouldn’t be expected to accept one standard for a Republican president’s family while another applies to a Democratic president’s family,” Curtis wrote.
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