Former President Donald Trump announced he would not attend his son Donald Trump Jr.’s wedding to Bettina Anderson, stating that his official responsibilities in Washington prevented his departure.
Reasoning for Absence
“Although I very much wanted to be with my son, Don Junior, and the newest member of the Trump family, his future wife, Bettina, circumstances related to the government and my love for the United States of America do not allow me to do so,” Trump wrote on Truth Social on Friday, May 22. He added that he believes it is important to remain in Washington at the White House during this critical period.
Shift in Rationale
As recently as Thursday, Trump suggested his attendance was uncertain due to the situation with Iran. He noted that while his son wanted him there, the timing was difficult due to geopolitical tensions. He also remarked that regardless of his decision, he would likely face media criticism.
Cancellation of New Jersey Plans
The president did not specify which particular wartime duties or national security matters required his presence. According to the White House schedule, Trump had originally planned to spend the weekend at his golf club in Bedminster, New Jersey, with no public events listed. The New Jersey trip was subsequently cancelled.
Context of the Marriage
The wedding to Bettina Anderson marks the second marriage for Donald Trump Jr., who shares five children with his first wife, Vanessa, following their 2018 divorce. After his previous relationship with Kimberly Guilfoyle, a former campaign official and current U.S. Ambassador to Greece, the son of the president is now moving forward with his marriage to Anderson.