US President Donald Trump announced on Friday that he will not attend the wedding of his eldest son, Donald Trump Jr., and socialite Bettina Anderson this weekend, saying official responsibilities and ongoing international developments require him to remain in Washington, D.C.
In a post shared on Truth Social, Trump said that although he had wanted to attend the ceremony and celebrate with his son and future daughter-in-law, government-related responsibilities prevented him from traveling for the 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 about Government, and my love for the United States of America, do not allow me to do so,” Trump wrote.
The US President further stated that he believed it was important for him to remain at the White House during what he described as a significant and sensitive period.
Trump’s decision comes at a time when his administration remains deeply engaged in diplomatic efforts linked to the ongoing conflict involving Iran, the United States, and Israel.
According to reports, the Trump administration is currently involved in Pakistan-mediated discussions aimed at securing a resolution to the war with Iran that began on February 28.
Trump had already hinted a day earlier that global developments, particularly the Iran situation, might force him to miss the wedding.
Speaking to reporters on Thursday, he remarked, “I have a thing called Iran and other things,” while acknowledging that Donald Trump Jr. had wanted him present at the event.
Trump described the wedding as a “small private affair” expected to include close friends and family members.
According to CNN, citing people familiar with the arrangements, the wedding ceremony is scheduled to take place this weekend on a private island in the Bahamas.
The President had originally been expected to spend Friday night at his golf club in Bedminster following an appearance in New York’s Hudson Valley region.
However, an updated official schedule later showed that he would instead return directly to Washington, underscoring the administration’s focus on international developments and ongoing diplomatic activity.
The upcoming marriage marks the third engagement of Donald Trump Jr.
He was previously married to former model and actress Vanessa Trump for 12 years before the couple divorced in 2018. They share five children together.
Following that relationship, Trump Jr. became engaged to television personality Kimberly Guilfoyle, though the two later separated in 2024.
Bettina Anderson is now set to formally join the Trump family through the wedding ceremony taking place this weekend.
