Donald Trump Jr., the eldest son of President Donald Trump, married influencer and model Bettina Anderson on Thursday in West Palm Beach, Florida, according to Palm Beach County marriage records. The ceremony, officiated by real estate attorney Brad McPherson—a longtime legal representative for the Trump family—took place just over five months after the couple announced their engagement in December.
The newlyweds are expected to host a larger celebration on a private island in the Bahamas, though the president will not be in attendance. In a statement, Trump explained his absence was due to government obligations and "my love for the United States of America," adding that he "very much wanted to" attend. He specifically cited the ongoing conflict with Iran as a key factor, telling reporters, "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.'"
Trump had initially planned to travel to his golf club in Bedminster, New Jersey, after campaigning for Representative Mike Lawler in a key New York swing district on Friday, but changed course and will remain in Washington this weekend. The president's decision to skip the family event comes amid a broader political landscape where his feuds and priorities are drawing scrutiny from within the GOP. Senator Ted Cruz has warned that Trump's feuds risk the Senate majority, while other Republicans have openly criticized the president's focus on a controversial $1.8 billion fund.
Trump Jr.'s wedding marks a new chapter for the former first son, who was previously married to Vanessa Trump for 13 years. The couple had five children, including Kai Trump, an avid golfer who has drawn comparisons to her grandfather. Trump Jr. was also previously engaged to Kimberly Guilfoyle, the former Fox News host and current U.S. Ambassador to Greece. His relationship with Anderson, a Palm Beach-based influencer and model, became public last year, and the engagement was announced in December.
President Trump's absence from the wedding underscores the tension between his personal life and the demands of his office, particularly as he navigates foreign policy crises and a contentious political environment. The president's decision to prioritize national security over family obligations is consistent with his public posture, but it also highlights the isolation of the Trump family as they balance private celebrations with the relentless pace of Washington politics.
Anderson, known for her social media presence and modeling work, has largely stayed out of the political spotlight. The couple's private ceremony in West Palm Beach was a low-key affair, with only close family and friends in attendance. The larger Bahamas celebration is expected to include a wider circle of guests, though Trump's absence will undoubtedly be noted.
