WASHINGTON — A senior House Democrat is seeking records about Donald Trump Jr.’s relationship with Umar Kremlev, a Russian sports official with close ties to President Vladimir Putin, after reports that Kremlev financed parts of a post-wedding celebration for Trump’s eldest son. Rep. Robert Garcia of California, the top Democrat on the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, sent letters to Trump Jr. and the White House requesting that they preserve documents, financial records and communications involving Kremlev. Garcia also asked for records concerning any White House discussions about who financed or attended the celebrations. The request follows a report that Kremlev spent hundreds of thousands of dollars on a private island rental and fireworks for a gathering in the Bahamas. The payments have not been independently confirmed, but Bettina Trump, Trump Jr.’s wife, appeared to acknowledge Kremlev’s involvement in a statement posted Monday. Garcia said the reported gift raises questions because Trump Jr. is the president’s son and a part-owner or major investor in companies that hold extensive contracts with the Department of Defense. He questioned whether the relationship could point to a pay-to-play arrangement or create risks involving foreign influence and intelligence operations. The congressman also asked whether the White House knew about Trump Jr.’s relationship with Kremlev and whether Kremlev’s role in the celebration had any connection to President Trump’s decision not to attend the wedding ceremony. President Trump denied knowing Kremlev and disputed the description of the event. He said he had “no idea who Umar is” and had never heard of him. Trump said Kremlev did not pay for Trump Jr. and Bettina Anderson’s wedding, which took place in Palm Beach County, Florida, in May, adding that the Bahamas gathering was an after-party held at a different location and on a different day. Bettina Trump described the Caribbean weekend as a previously planned gathering with friends. She said it was unfair to portray a personal celebration as political because of Kremlev’s identity or nationality, arguing that generosity does not automatically imply a political motive. Kremlev is president of the International Boxing Association and has received Russia’s Order of Friendship from Putin for contributions to international sport. Ukraine has sanctioned him over alleged close ties to Putin and Russian security services. The Bahamas celebration included several dozen guests, including members of the Trump family and Kremlev. Trump Jr.’s spokesperson did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Garcia’s letters seek preservation of evidence rather than announcing a completed investigation. Any further congressional action would depend on whether the committee obtains records or responses from Trump Jr. and the White House.