As reports swirl around Donald Trump Jr.’s upcoming wedding in the Bahamas, President Donald Trump says attending the ceremony may not be easy amid mounting global tensions and the ongoing Iran conflict. Speaking during a May 21 Oval Office event, Donald Trump appeared to confirm that his oldest son, Donald Trump Jr., will marry Bettina Anderson this weekend in what he described as a “small, little private affair.”
For the Trump family, the celebration arrives during a politically tense period, with the president balancing international issues while also preparing for a major family milestone.
Why did Donald Trump say it's 'not good timing’?
When reporters asked whether he planned to attend the wedding, Trump acknowledged the situation surrounding Iran has complicated his schedule.
“He'd like me to go,” Trump said of his son. "But it's going to be just a small, little private affair and I'm going to try and make it. I'm in the midst, I said: 'You know 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 added. "If I do attend, I get killed. If I don't attend I get killed, by the fake news of course I'm talking about," as per a report by USA Today and the New York Post.
The president also joked about the political reaction either way.
“That's one I can't win on,” Trump added. “If I do attend, I get killed. If I don't attend I get killed, by the fake news of course I'm talking about.”
According to reports mentioned by Page Six, the couple had considered holding the wedding at the White House before deciding on a more private setting because of concerns over public perception during ongoing international conflict.
Who is Bettina Anderson?
Trump Jr., 48, became engaged to Anderson in December after proposing at Camp David. The couple reportedly began dating in 2024 shortly after his engagement to former Fox News host Kimberly Guilfoyle ended, as per a report by the New York Post and Page Six.
Anderson, a Palm Beach socialite and model, comes from a well-known Florida family. Her mother is philanthropist Inger Anderson, while her father was banker Harry Loy Anderson Jr.
The couple’s bridal shower took place at Mar-a-Lago in April and included appearances from Ivanka Trump, Lara Trump, Tiffany Trump and Marla Maples.
Why did the couple avoid a White House wedding?
According to reports, the pair ultimately chose a smaller private ceremony in the Bahamas rather than a large White House celebration.
“They’re very aware that a lavish wedding at the White House while people are dying wouldn’t be well-received,” an insider told Page Six.
The wedding also comes during a difficult personal moment for the family. Trump Jr.’s ex-wife, Vanessa Trump, revealed this week that she has been diagnosed with breast cancer.
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“I’ve recently been diagnosed with breast cancer,” she shared on Instagram. “While this isn’t news anyone expects, I’m working closely with my medical team on a treatment plan.”
Trump Jr. and Vanessa Trump were married from 2005 until 2018 and share five children together, including golfer Kai Trump. Reports say the former couple has remained on friendly terms following their divorce.
Despite the complicated timing surrounding the wedding, Trump said he simply hopes the couple enjoys a happy future together.
“Hopefully they’re going to have a great marriage,” he said.
FAQs
Is Donald Trump attending Don Jr.’s wedding?Trump said he will “try and make it,” but did not confirm his attendance.
Where is Donald Trump Jr.’s wedding happening?
Reports say the ceremony will take place on a private island in the Bahamas.
