Donald Trump Jr.'s new relationship with Bettina Anderson has ignited concern among friends and insiders, who fear she may be using the 46-year-old to climb the social ladder. The couple, who have been spotted together indulging in public displays of affection, have raised eyebrows within the influential circles of Palm Beach, Florida.
Anderson, 38, who has previously shown support for the Black Lives Matter movement and endorsed strict COVID-19 restrictions, has not garnered the approval of Don Jr.'s allies. Reports suggest they are worried she is not "MAGA enough" to align with the Trump family's values. One insider expressed, "It's one thing to worry about Palm Beach shenanigans making a stop at Mar-a-Lago, but to let those problems penetrate the White House is a new level of trouble."
The couple’s budding romance became public just as Donald Trump prepares to be sworn in as the 47th president on January 20, 2025. Bettina has plans to attend the inauguration alongside Don Jr., marking her first official appearance with him as part of the Trump family. Despite the attention, some of Trump Jr.'s associates think Bettina is using him as part of her latest "social ladder climbing" effort.
Insiders claim Anderson has cultivated relationships to boost her profile and is well connected within Palm Beach's elite social circles. Critics point to her reputation as a "party girl" and question whether her influencer lifestyle aligns with Don Jr.'s public image. A close friend of Don Jr.'s acknowledged the gossip, stating, "They know there’s going to be gossip and trash-talking...that’s just the world of Palm Beach."
While some celebrate Bettina's vivacious personality, others have taken offense. Fashion designer Stacey Bendet, founder of Alice + Olivia, has come to her defense, stating: "I’ve been friends with Bettina for a decade. She’s the kindest soul, has the biggest heart, and is hilariously funny. Anyone who says otherwise is just another societal example of women fixiating on competing versus empowering – Don adores her for good reasons!" Bendet's endorsement highlights the division surrounding Anderson, with mixed opinions prominent among those close to the Trump family.
Insiders have warned Don Jr. against inviting Bettina closer to the family, citing her previous political affiliations and questionable behaviors, like allegedly tipping off paparazzi about her outings with him. One unnamed source encapsulated the prevailing sentiment with, "We want to protect the Trump brand and don’t want her close to the family." These doubts are coupled with speculation about Bettina's aspirations connecting her to high-profile individuals like Elon Musk.
Their romance blossomed over several months, with early reports of their connection surfacing back to September when they were seen cozying up at various Palm Beach establishments. Notably, their relationship reportedly intensified soon after the end of Don Jr.'s engagement to Kimberly Guilfoyle, hinting at the drama surrounding their romantic entanglements.
Don Jr.'s public appearances with Anderson seem to suggest his indifference to the chatter surrounding their relationship. Reports indicate the pair enjoyed themselves during a recent trip to Italy, sharing romantic moments on social media. Witnesses noted they were affectionate during meals, contrary to earlier predictions of potential backlash or hesitations about their relationship. A restaurant observer commented, "They looked 'smitten' with each other," noting the joy shared between the couple.
From intimate brunches to extravagant dinners, the couple has clearly not shied away from displaying their affection publicly. This reinforces suspicions among friends and insiders about Anderson’s true intentions. While some close allies argue she may prove detrimental to Don Jr.’s reputation and the Trump legacy, others believe their connection is authentic.
Despite attempts to dissuade Don Jr. from pursuing Anderson, friends noted there have been no substantial conversations addressing the potential concerns about his girlfriend. One source close to Don Jr. mentioned, "If anybody has said anything negative to Don about Bettina, he hasn’t been concerned enough to relay any of those concerns to any of his close friends." Yet troubling reports about her intentions continue to circulate.
This whirlwind romance highlights the intersection of social status, celebrity culture, and political affiliation, all of which converge around the Trump family. With Donald Trump's impending presidency and Bettina Anderson's rise to prominence within his circle, the stakes seem to heighten as this relationship continues to capture public attention.
While some support Anderson's relationship with Don Jr., citing her character and known history among friends, others are skeptical. Each opinion reflects the divided views on whether she fits within the Trump family’s values and whether she is genuinely committed to Donald Trump Jr. or merely using him as part of her ambitious social climber persona.
The next few months will likely determine the future of this relationship and whether any remnants of doubt can be soothed over time as the world watches closely.
