Donald Trump Jr. hosts secretive Estonia dinner with a parade of power brokers and provocateurs
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Donald Trump Jr. took part in a private dinner in Estonia that brought together business figures, a former campaign manager, a Miss World Estonia titleholder and other controversial guests, even as Estonia’s foreign minister used the occasion to press for stronger regional security.
Donald Trump Jr. arrived in Estonia on September 6 for a one-day business visit that culminated in a private dinner at the offices of an online casino software firm, followed by an after-party at a local cigar lounge. The guest list, according to the Financial Times, included former Trump campaign manager Brad Parscale, Fyre Festival founder Billy McFarland, former New York mobster Michael Franzese, celebrity poker players, an Estonian actress and 18-year-old Miss World Estonia Eliisa-Adele Toode.
"Everyone involved who has factual knowledge is under a 55-page NDA, which is understandable given the guest list," said Craig Hilton, the evening’s host and founder of Studioworks.
Estonia’s foreign minister Margus Tsahkna attended the dinner to discuss regional security, stressing the Baltic nation’s interest in a stronger U.S. and NATO presence to deter Russian aggression. He told Estonian broadcaster ERR that “the topic of Ukraine was on the table quite a lot.”
"It was very interesting to meet someone who—while not an active politician—wields significant influence, and to see his attitude towards us," Tsahkna added, noting the meeting allowed Estonia to present its security vision to an influential figure within the presidential circle.
A spokesperson for Donald Trump Jr. said the trip was strictly private and that the son’s personal views do not represent the U.S. government. The Estonian stop follows earlier trips, including a hunting excursion in Mongolia with Russian boxing official Umar Kremlev and a subsequent visit to Poland for closed-door discussions.