President Donald Trump said on Friday he will not travel to the Bahamas to attend the wedding of his eldest son, Donald Trump Jr., and Bettina Anderson, citing official responsibilities that require him to remain in Washington, D.C.
In a post on Truth Social, the president wrote:
"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,"
The post continued:
"I feel it is important for me to remain in Washington, D.C., at the White House during this important period of time."
People familiar with the plans have said the wedding is scheduled for this weekend on a small island in the Bahamas. A spokesperson for Donald Trump Jr. did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
When speaking to reporters on Thursday, the president noted that his son had wanted him present, but characterized the event as a "small private affair." At that time, he said he would try to attend but that the timing was difficult. The president added: "I have a thing called Iran and other things," when explaining why travel would be complicated.
The administration is actively participating in diplomatic discussions mediated by Pakistan that aim to reach a deal to end the war with Iran that began on February 28 and that the United States and Israel initiated, a conflict the article describes as having disrupted the global economy. Those talks are taking place concurrently with the wedding planning.
This will be the third engagement for Donald Trump Jr. He was previously married to Vanessa, a former model and actress, for 12 years; the couple share five children and Vanessa filed for divorce in 2018. He was later engaged to Kimberly Guilfoyle, a U.S. television personality, until their separation in 2024.
Context and implications
The president framed his choice as a duty-based decision driven by government work and national priorities. His statement underscores a need to remain at the White House during an active period of diplomatic negotiation, even as family events proceed abroad. No additional scheduling details or travel plans were provided by the White House in the comments quoted.
What is known
- The wedding of Donald Trump Jr. and Bettina Anderson is set for this weekend on a small Bahamian island, according to people familiar with the arrangements.
- President Trump announced on Truth Social he will not attend because he must stay in Washington for government business.
- The administration is engaged in Pakistan-mediated diplomatic talks intended to secure a deal to end the war with Iran, a conflict reported to have roiled the global economy.