Washington DC - First Lady Melania Trump tried to distance herself from reports that a Russian Oligarch spent a huge amount of money to help fund Donald Trump Jr.'s lavish wedding.

In a statement provided to The Daily Mail, a spokesperson claimed the first lady has no knowledge of Umar Kremlev – the Russian oligarch close to Vladimir Putin, who reportedly spent hundreds of thousands of dollars on the three-day wedding.

"Mrs. Trump does not, and has never had, a relationship with Mr. Kremlev," the spokesperson said. 

"Mrs. Trump played no role whatsoever in organizing the wedding event and was not privy to any aspect of its financial planning," they added.

Health Shapiro and RFK Jr. clash after fourth measles-related death reported in Pennsylvania

The comments come as the Trump family has been facing scrutiny in the wake of the reporting over their relationship with Russian leaders.

Their relationship with Kremlev is particularly concerning, as he has been facing allegations of being involved in the abduction of Ukrainian children.

In her husband's second term, Melania has made the issue of returning kidnapped children from Russia a focus of her role as first lady.

Melania's attempt to distance herself from the story has been met with confusion, as the first lady rarely delivers such statements or comments on specific political matters.

Overall, she has largely avoided the public eye since President Donald Trump's reelection, and has not used the role to show support for her husband's leadership and agenda.

While The Mail did not clarify whether the spokesperson was responding to inquiry, or whether it was another moment in which Melania attempted to get ahead of a story, the outlet did note the statement "speaks volumes about the impact that the news is having on the family."

US politics Republicans again turn on Trump as House votes for third time to end Iran War

Similarly to Melania, Eric Trump – Don Jr.'s younger brother – distanced himself from Kremlev, claiming he has "absolutely no clue who this person is, nor has never heard his name."

During a press conference on Tuesday, Attorney General Todd Blanche, a staunch loyalist to the Trumps, claimed the president did not know Kremlev, and dismissed calls for the Department of Justice to investigate the family's relationship with him.

Don Jr.'s new wife Bettina Trump shared an Instagram post describing Kremlev as "our dear friend." She dismissed criticism, arguing: "Friendship doesn't require a political motive. Generosity doesn't automatically come with an agenda."

"So, for anyone determined not to let the facts get in the way of a good story: NO CONSPIRACY, NO MYSTERY. Just a private family wedding, a wonderful weekend with friends and one hell of a party," she added.