Donald Trump Jr. and Bettina Anderson have officially tied the knot, marking a new chapter in the lives of two figures already familiar to Palm Beach society and the national spotlight. The ceremony, held on May 21, 2026, was an intimate affair, taking place at the West Palm Beach home of Bettina’s twin sister, Kristina McPherson. According to marriage records from Palm Beach County and reporting from Nexstar Media Inc., the event was officiated by real estate attorney Bradley McPherson, a family connection who has previously worked with the Trumps.
Despite the high-profile nature of the Trump family, the wedding itself was described as a low-key gathering, with a much grander celebration planned for Memorial Day weekend on a private island in the Bahamas. Friends and family expect the Bahamas event to be the official wedding celebration, a fitting continuation for a couple whose romance has unfolded in the public eye.
One notable absence at the ceremony was Donald Trump Jr.’s father, former President Donald Trump. In a statement posted to X on May 22, 2026, the former president explained his decision to remain in Washington, D.C., citing government business and the ongoing conflict in Iran as key reasons. He 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. I feel it is important for me to remain in Washington, D.C., at the White House during this important period of time. Congratulations to Don and Bettina!”
Trump further elaborated to reporters, saying, “He’d like me to go, but it’s going to be just a small, little private affair, and 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.’” According to The Independent, he also labeled the wedding a “no-win” for him, suggesting that his presence could have overshadowed the couple’s special day or created unnecessary complications.
Donald Trump Jr. and Bettina Anderson’s relationship has garnered interest since the pair were first seen together enjoying brunch in August 2024. Their official debut as a couple came at President Trump’s inauguration in January 2025, and by December of that year, the couple had announced their engagement. Trump Jr. candidly described the proposal: “When you go down there, it’s like, you’re gonna go, and you’re trying to ask, and you’re not sure what the answer’s gonna be. It’s always a little bit rough. But she said yes, so that’s a big win for the end of the year.”
Bettina Anderson, now a new member of the Trump family, brings her own impressive resume to the table. Born in December 1986 to philanthropists Harry Loy Anderson Jr. and Inger Anderson in Palm Beach, Bettina is one of six siblings. Her father, Harry, has served on the board of the Historical Society of Palm Beach County and the national board of governors for the American Red Cross. Bettina herself graduated from Columbia University in 2009 with a degree in art history, criticism, and conservation, and has since made a name for herself as both a model and a socialite. She graced the cover of Quest magazine in 2020 and has been active in organizing fundraisers for local causes, including the Preservation Foundation of Palm Beach.
Philanthropy is a central theme in Bettina’s life. Alongside her brothers, she co-founded The Paradise Fund, a nonprofit organization dedicated to disaster relief and supporting local initiatives. In April 2023, the group was renamed Paradise.ngo, with Bettina stepping in as executive director. She told Fashion Week Daily, “One of the greatest focuses of my life is how I can be of service to others and be a steward of the environment.”
The lead-up to the wedding was as glamorous as one might expect. In April, Bettina celebrated her bridal shower at Mar-a-Lago, the Trump family’s storied estate in Palm Beach. The “Enchanted Garden” themed luncheon brought together around 100 guests at the $564 million property, where Bettina wore a strapless white midi dress with a bandeau neckline and delicate silver embroidery, according to coverage by HELLO!.
Donald Trump Jr.’s path to this new marriage has also been well-documented. He was previously married to Vanessa Trump for 12 years, a union that produced five children: Kai, Donald III, Tristan, Spencer, and Chloe. Vanessa filed for divorce in 2018. Trump Jr. was also engaged to broadcaster Kimberly Guilfoyle in 2020, but the couple never officially announced their split. Prior to marrying Bettina, Trump Jr. and Guilfoyle were together for six years, and Guilfoyle has since served as the U.S. Ambassador to Greece.
The newlyweds’ plan for a larger celebration in the Bahamas reflects both their social standing and their desire for a more private, family-focused event. The Bahamas, with its secluded beaches and reputation for hosting high-profile gatherings, seems a fitting choice for the Trumps and Andersons to mark this milestone away from the constant glare of cameras and headlines.
Still, the smaller ceremony in West Palm Beach held plenty of significance for the couple. With Bettina’s brother-in-law officiating and close family present, it was a moment steeped in personal meaning. “It’s always a little bit rough,” Trump Jr. said about the nerves of proposing, but it’s clear that the couple has found steady ground together.
For President Trump, the decision to skip the wedding was not taken lightly. As he put it, “I feel it is important for me to remain in Washington, D.C., at the White House during this important period of time.” While he expressed regret at not being able to attend, the former president’s priorities remained firmly fixed on his official duties and the international situation unfolding with Iran.
The Trump family’s approach to public and private life has always been a balancing act, and this wedding is no exception. With a blend of understated family moments and the promise of a lavish celebration to come, Donald Trump Jr. and Bettina Anderson’s union is a reminder of the intersection between personal milestones and the ever-present demands of public life.
As the couple looks ahead to their Bahamas celebration, their story continues to capture attention—not just for the names involved, but for the blend of tradition, glamour, and a touch of unpredictability that seems to follow wherever the Trumps go.