President Trump cited pressing government responsibilities as his reason for skipping his son’s wedding celebration in the Bahamas, delivering a rare presidential no-show to what was billed as one of the most intimate Trump family gatherings in years.
Donald Trump Jr. and Bettina Anderson became husband and wife during a sun-drenched ceremony on a private Caribbean island, but the groom’s father remained in Washington instead of joining the roughly 40 guests who witnessed the vows.
“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,” the president wrote on Truth Social, adding that he felt it was important to remain in Washington, D.C., “during this important time.”
The president had been scheduled to spend the weekend in Bedminster, New Jersey, but stayed at the White House instead. Speaking from the Oval Office a day earlier, he acknowledged the awkward timing. “This is not good timing for me,” he said. He announced his decision not to attend on May 22, and sources indicated he had long been expected to skip the festivities.
Florida Courthouse, Then Island Paradise
The couple first made things legal on May 21 in West Palm Beach, Florida, before heading to the Bahamas for the weekend celebration. Marriage records from Palm Beach County, obtained by TMZ, confirmed the legal marriage took place ahead of the destination event.
The main ceremony unfolded on May 23, 2026, on a private island with fewer than 50 people in attendance. Ivanka Trump, Eric Trump and Tiffany Trump were all present, along with all five of Don Jr.’s children from his first marriage. The couple worked hard to keep details from leaking, inviting only immediate family and their closest friends.
Anderson teased the celebration on social media, sharing a photo that showed off the couple’s wedding bands. The festivities took place on Little Pipe Cay, a private Bahamas island that has served as a filming location for James Bond and Pirates of the Caribbean movies. The exclusive cay is accessible only by a short seaplane or helicopter ride from Nassau, or via a private flight to nearby Staniel Cay.
A White House Wedding That Wasn’t
Anderson had originally expressed interest in holding the wedding at the White House, but Trump Jr. felt it was inappropriate given the ongoing U.S.-Israel conflict with Iran, and she ultimately agreed. A follow-up celebration at the White House is planned for later this year.
At her bridal shower ahead of the Bahamas ceremony, Anderson addressed guests in remarks captured on video by friend and designer Stacey Bendet. “I feel honored to join your family and to fight by your side, Don, through whatever life brings us,” she said. “To become your wife is the greatest honor, and I will stand by your side through anything.” Friends of Trump Jr. told CNN they had never seen the groom so happy.
From Camp David Proposal to Caribbean Vows
Don Jr., 48, began dating Anderson in 2024 following the end of his engagement to Kimberly Guilfoyle, the former Fox News host who now serves as U.S. ambassador to Greece. He popped the question at Camp David in December 2025 while the couple was celebrating Anderson’s birthday. The pair then formally announced their engagement at a White House holiday party that same month.
This is the second marriage for Trump Jr., who operates the Trump Organization alongside his brother Eric and has been a fixture alongside his father at political events. He was previously married to Vanessa Trump from 2005 to 2018, and the two share five children — all of whom were on hand to witness their father’s wedding in the Bahamas.
Anderson, a Palm Beach socialite, hails from a prominent local family. Her father, Harry Loy Anderson Jr., is a banker and philanthropist, and she serves as a committee member at the Project Paradise Film Fund, an organization focused on protecting Florida’s environment.
Multi-Day Festivities Without Dad
The celebration stretched over several days and included time on the crystal-clear Atlantic for watersports. Ivanka Trump and her niece Kai Trump took to stand-up paddleboarding, while Lara Trump and Tiffany Trump appeared to spend time boating, based on photos posted to Instagram.
Lara Trump also offered a glimpse into one of the island events held during the festivities. The space featured a palette of dark pink, orange, and soft yellow, accented with tropical flowers and fuchsia bougainvillea, along with rattan seating, string lights, seagrass shades, and colorful paper lanterns set along the sand. Lara Trump wore an orange-red Andreeva knit dress trimmed with feather details, while her husband, Eric Trump, kept things relaxed in white jeans, a light blue linen shirt, and white sneakers.
Eric Trump told Page Six that the newlyweds “truly light up around each other” and described their relationship as “amazing” to witness. He also acknowledged the no-win nature of the scheduling dilemma, noting that whether he attended or not, he would face criticism either way.
Dad may have missed the toast, but the Bahamas ceremony went off as planned — small, private and exactly the way the bride and groom wanted it.