Donald Trump Jr., the oldest son of President Donald Trump, married socialite Bettina Anderson on Thursday in West Palm Beach, Florida. Palm Beach County records confirmed the marriage, which comes after the couple announced their engagement in December 2025 during a White House holiday party.
The 48-year-old groom and his new bride are expected to hold a private wedding celebration on Saturday in the Bahamas. However, President Trump has announced he will not attend the overseas celebration, citing government matters and the ongoing war in Iran as reasons for his absence.
President Trump Explains Absence from Wedding Celebration
President Trump addressed his decision not to attend his son’s wedding celebration in a statement posted to Truth Social on Friday. The president expressed his desire to be present while explaining the circumstances that prevent him from doing so.
“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,” President Trump stated.
The president had initially been scheduled to travel to Bedminster, New Jersey, but will instead remain at the White House due to presidential matters. He acknowledged that the timing “was not good timing for me” but extended his congratulations to the couple, noting he has known them “for a very long time, and hopefully they are going to have a great marriage.”
What We Know About the Couple
Donald Trump Jr. serves as a key figure in the Trump Organization, which he operates alongside his brother Eric Trump. This marks his second marriage. He was previously married to Vanessa Trump, with whom he shares five children. The couple married at Mar-a-Lago in 2005 and divorced in 2018.
Following his divorce from Vanessa Trump, Donald Trump Jr. was engaged to Kimberly Guilfoyle, the former Fox News host who now serves as the U.S. ambassador to Greece. That engagement ended before his relationship with Anderson began.
Bettina Anderson comes from a prominent family background. Her father is Harry Loy Anderson Jr., a banker and philanthropist. She is also a committee member at the Project Paradise Film Fund, demonstrating her involvement in philanthropic and cultural activities.
Timeline of Key Events
The relationship between Donald Trump Jr. and Bettina Anderson became public knowledge when they announced their engagement in December 2025 at a White House holiday party. The engagement announcement came years after Trump Jr.’s divorce from his first wife.
Thursday, May 22, 2026, marked the official wedding ceremony in West Palm Beach, Florida. The marriage was recorded in Palm Beach County records, confirming the legal union between the president’s son and the socialite.
The private wedding celebration is expected to take place on Saturday, May 24, 2026, in the Bahamas. This celebration will proceed without the presence of President Trump due to his stated government obligations.
What Happens Next
The newlyweds are expected to celebrate their marriage at the private Bahamas event on Saturday. While President Trump will not be in attendance, the celebration is expected to proceed as planned.
Details about the specific location of the Bahamas celebration and the guest list have not been disclosed publicly. The private nature of the overseas celebration suggests the couple has chosen to keep certain aspects of their wedding festivities away from public view.
Background on Trump Jr.’s Previous Marriage
Donald Trump Jr.’s first marriage to Vanessa Trump lasted from 2005 to 2018. The wedding ceremony took place at Mar-a-Lago, the Trump family’s Palm Beach estate that has served as a significant venue for family events over the years.
During their marriage, the couple had five children together. The divorce was finalized in 2018, and both have since moved on with their personal lives. Trump Jr.’s engagement to Kimberly Guilfoyle followed his divorce, though that relationship also ended before his current marriage to Anderson.
The Trump Family Business Connection
Donald Trump Jr. continues to play a significant role in the family business operations. He operates the Trump Organization alongside his brother Eric Trump, maintaining the family’s business interests while his father serves as President of the United States.
The Trump Organization encompasses various real estate and business ventures that the Trump family has developed over decades. Donald Trump Jr.’s involvement in the business has continued throughout his personal life changes, including his previous divorce and subsequent relationships.
Bettina Anderson’s Background
Bettina Anderson brings her own family legacy to the marriage. As the daughter of Harry Loy Anderson Jr., a banker and philanthropist, she comes from a background of financial prominence and charitable involvement.
Her role as a committee member at the Project Paradise Film Fund indicates her involvement in cultural and artistic endeavors. This philanthropic connection aligns with the charitable activities often associated with prominent social circles in the United States.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Donald Trump Jr. marry Bettina Anderson?
Donald Trump Jr. married Bettina Anderson on Thursday, May 22, 2026, in West Palm Beach, Florida. The marriage was confirmed by Palm Beach County records.
Will President Trump attend his son’s wedding celebration?
No, President Trump announced he will not attend the private wedding celebration expected Saturday in the Bahamas. He cited government matters and the ongoing war in Iran as reasons for his absence.
Is this Donald Trump Jr.’s first marriage?
No, this is Donald Trump Jr.’s second marriage. He was previously married to Vanessa Trump from 2005 to 2018, and they share five children together. He was also previously engaged to Kimberly Guilfoyle.
Who is Bettina Anderson?
Bettina Anderson is a socialite and the daughter of Harry Loy Anderson Jr., a banker and philanthropist. She serves as a committee member at the Project Paradise Film Fund.
Where will the wedding celebration take place?
A private wedding celebration is expected to take place on Saturday in the Bahamas. The specific location within the Bahamas has not been publicly disclosed.
Presidential Duties Take Priority
President Trump’s decision to remain at the White House instead of attending his son’s wedding celebration reflects the demands placed on sitting presidents. His statement emphasized that his responsibilities to the country prevented him from being present at the family celebration.
The president’s original travel plans had included a trip to Bedminster, New Jersey, which has been canceled in favor of remaining in Washington. His message to the newlyweds expressed both his desire to be present and his hope for their successful marriage.
The wedding of Donald Trump Jr. and Bettina Anderson adds another chapter to the Trump family’s public life, with the ceremony taking place in Florida while the president fulfills his duties at the White House.
