GOP angry with Utah Senator demanding investigation into gifts Trump Jr. took from Russian Oligarch

Trump family Russian dolls. Photo: Matt Laslo

Utah Republican Senator John Curtis is ruffling feathers in the White House. He’s asking a lot of questions after a Russian oligarch helped pay for Donald Trump Jr’s wedding. Matt Laslo {LAZ-low} reports from Washington on the rare inter-party feud Curtis sparked. 

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NARR = narration. (the below web write-up was formerly a public radio script written for the ear, not the eye, so not all of it translates to print)

Freshman Senator John Curtis frustrated many in the GOP this week.

He’s calling for an investigation into whether Trump Jr. benefited from his father’s position — something most Republicans say is a mainstream media myth.

"The story I heard on that is completely different than what's being reported in the press," Sen. Ron Johnson of Wisconsin exclusively tells us..

"I don't think, speaking of, you know, electoral issues,” Sen. Kevin Cramer of North Dakota tells us. “I don't think the voters, I don't think it's their highest priority."

"I'd need to learn more,” Sen. Todd Young of Indiana says.

"Yeah?” we ask. “Do you have questions, though?"

"For Curtis? “ Young exclusively tells us. “Yeah, I'd probably start with Curtis."

Like Senator Young, the president’s allies have questions for Curtis on why he’s challenging the president’s family so close to the midterms. But Curtis says his constituents have their own burning questions. 

"Back home, they talk about affordability and they talk about corruption and water — which most people don't care about, but we care about in Utah,” Curtis tells us. “But I think it is important that I represent them and part of representing them is asking the questions."

In his letter to leaders of the Judiciary Committee, Curtis raises concerns about the Trump family’s new “cryptocurrency ventures,” “international real estate deals” and “reported investments in defense contracting.”

Utah’s junior Senator says he fears corruption is being normalized in Trump’s Washington. 

"Call it out,” Curtis says. Let's start by calling it out."

Like many on the left, the number two Democrat in the Senate, Minority Whip Dick Durbin of Illinois, is singing Curtis’s praises.  

"I was pleasantly surprised,” Durbin says. “It was a gutsy move on his part, and I think he made a strong case. I agree with him. We should have a hearing." 

Curtis is also asking for the investigation to include former President Joe Biden’s son, Hunter, and all the allegations of grift that have followed him for years. 

For KUER News, I’m Matt Laslo in Washington.