US President Donald Trump and Donald Trump Jr. walk on the south lawn toward the White House in Washington, DC, on May 3, 2026.
Mandel Ngan | AFP | Getty Images
President Donald Trump on Friday said he won’t attend the wedding this weekend of his eldest son, Donald Trump Jr., to socialite Bettina Anderson.
The president had suggested on Thursday that he would not be able to be at the wedding, which reportedly will be held in the Bahamas, because of his focus on the conflict with Iran and other issues.
“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 wrote in a Truth Social post.
“I feel it is important for me to remain in Washington, D.C., at the White House during this important period of time,” Trump wrote. “Congratulations to Don and Bettina. President DONALD J. TRUMP.”
TMZ reported Friday that Trump Jr. and Anderson had legally married on Thursday in West Palm Beach, Florida, the town where the president’s Mar-a-Lago club is located. TMZ cited a marriage certificate, which it posted online.
The president told reporters in the Oval Office on Thursday, “He’d like me to go, but it’s going to be just a small, little private affair, and I’m going to try and make it.”
“This is not good timing for me. I have a thing called Iran and other things. That’s one I can’t win on,” Trump said. “If I do attend, I get killed. If I don’t attend, I get killed by the fake news.”
“Hopefully they’re going to have a great marriage.”
Trump Jr., who runs the Trump Organization with his brother Eric, was previously married to Vanessa Trump, with whom he has five children. The 48-year-old was previously engaged to Kimberly Guilfoyle, who is currently serving at the U.S. ambassador to Greece and is the ex-wife of California Gov. Gavin Newsom.
Anderson, 39, has worked as a model and is active in charitable activities in Palm Beach, Florida.
Vanessa Trump, who is dating famed golfer Tiger Woods, on Wednesday revealed in an Instagram post that she has been diagnosed with breast cancer.
Correction: This story has been updated to correct the spelling of California Gov. Gavin Newsom’s name.