President Donald Trump confirmed Friday that he will not attend his eldest son’s wedding, opting instead to remain at the White House to focus on official duties.
Donald Trump Jr. is set to wed Palm Beach socialite Bettina Anderson in a small ceremony on a private island in the Bahamas this weekend.
“While I very much wanted to be with my son, Don Jr., and the newest member of the Trump Family, his soon to be wife, Bettina, circumstances pertaining to Government, and my love for the United States of America, do not allow me to do so,” Trump posted on Truth Social.
“I feel it is important for me to remain in Washington, D.C., at the White House during this important time. Congratulations to Don and Bettina!”
The couple is already legally married, Reuters reported, citing a marriage license filed Thursday in Palm Beach County, Florida. Trump Jr., 48, and Anderson, 39, became engaged in December and had reportedly considered holding the ceremony at the White House before choosing a more low-key venue.
President Trump told reporters on Thursday that he would “try and make it,” but acknowledged, “this is not good timing for me.”
“I have a thing called Iran and other things,” Trump said, referring to ongoing tensions and diplomatic discussions involving the Middle East.
“That’s one I can’t win on. If I do attend, I get killed. If I don’t attend, I get killed,” he added, suggesting the media would criticize him regardless of his decision.
“Hopefully they’re going to have a great marriage,” the president continued.
Trump Jr. was previously married to former model and actress Vanessa Trump for 12 years before they divorced in 2018. They share five children together. Vanessa recently revealed she has been diagnosed with breast cancer.
He later became engaged to Kimberly Guilfoyle, who was previously married to California Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom from 2001 to 2006. Trump Jr. and Guilfoyle broke up in 2024.
Virginia Kruta contributed to this report.
