Donald Trump has admitted that he may skip his son Donald Trump Jr.'s wedding, scheduled to take place in the Bahamas over the upcoming Memorial Day weekend, citing the ongoing conflict in Iran as a primary reason. Speaking to reporters in the Oval Office, the president sounded less than enthusiastic about attending the nuptials.
Trump's Reluctance to Attend
“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,” Trump said, before adding that the timing was not ideal. “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.’”
Despite his busy schedule, Trump has found time to attend a Ultimate Fighting Championship event in Miami and a PGA tour championship at his Doral golf club, as well as playing several rounds of golf himself. This has led to criticism that his priorities may be misplaced.
Don Jr.'s Wedding History
Donald Trump Jr., 48, is the president's eldest child. His first wedding, to fashion model Vanessa Haydon in 2005, was held at Trump's Mar-a-Lago estate in Palm Beach, Florida, and officiated by Trump's sister, Judge Maryanne Trump Barry. That marriage produced five children.
Don Jr. became engaged to Kimberly Guilfoyle in 2020 but ended the relationship in 2024; Guilfoyle now serves as the US ambassador to Greece. His current fiancee is Bettina Anderson, a 39-year-old socialite and model from a prominent Palm Beach banking family. The couple made their first public appearance together at Trump's inauguration in January last year.
Political Context
Trump's approval ratings have hit an all-time low in recent weeks, and he has faced backlash for his handling of the economy during the Iran war. When asked if the economic impact was motivating him to reach a deal, he responded, “I don’t think about Americans’ financial situation.”
The president acknowledged the potential negative optics of attending a lavish wedding in the Bahamas while many Americans struggle with rising costs. “That’s one I can’t win on,” he said. “If I do attend, I get killed. If I don’t attend, I get killed – by the fake news, of course, I’m talking about. No, but he’s got a very – a person who I’ve known for a long time, and hopefully they’re going to have a great marriage.”
Comparison to Past Weddings
Trump was notably present at his daughter Ivanka's wedding to Jared Kushner in 2009 at the Trump National Golf Club in Bedminster, New Jersey. He described it as “spectacular” and expressed pride as a father. The contrast with his current hesitation regarding Don Jr.'s wedding has not gone unnoticed.
