President Donald Trump on Thursday caused quite the stir by stating he might not “make it” to the upcoming wedding of his own son, Donald Trump Jr. Two people familiar with the plans for the nuptials have since told CNN that the president is indeed not expected to attend.
Trump Jr. is set to marry Palm Beach socialite Bettina Anderson this weekend in the Bahamas. The sources told CNN his ceremony is being kept intentionally small, with a guest list of fewer than 50 people reportedly including only close friends and immediate relatives.
Trump on Thursday notably refused to commit when asked if he was attending.
“He’d like me to go, but it’s gonna be just a small, little, private affair, and I’m gonna try and make it,” he told reporters in the Oval Office about the wedding. “I said, you know, this is not good timing for me. I have a thing called Iran and other things.”
The MAGA leader went on to claim his own son’s wedding is an issue he “can’t win on,” arguing that “the fake news” would criticize him if he did or didn’t attend. One of the sources told CNN that Trump Jr. and Anderson are eager to have a very private ceremony, however.
The groom’s siblings are expected to be in attendance, according to the sources.
The insiders further stated that the bride and groom tried to keep details of their ceremony from leaking to the press, partially to allay any security concerns for their guests, and that the president’s absence would allow for even fewer rigorous safety protocols at the event.
Critics were ultimately stunned when Trump said Thursday that he might not attend.
“Imagine hearing your dad tell the entire country he’s not sure your wedding fits into his schedule,” wrote progressive commentator Alex Cole on X. “The guy found time for 300 golf outings, but attending his son’s wedding requires careful consideration.”
Julia Demaree Nikhinson/Pool/Associated Press
Trump Jr. was previously married to ex-model Vanessa Trump (née Pergolizzi). The former couple tied the knot in 2005 at Donald Trump’s Mar-a-Lago resort. They divorced in 2018. She revealed earlier this week that she has been diagnosed with breast cancer.
Trump Jr. was also previously engaged to Kimberly Guilfoyle, a former Fox News host-turned-U.S. ambassador to Greece — whom the president has a rather awkward “pet name” for.
Guilfoyle was previously married to California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D), an outspoken critic of Donald Trump and rumored Democratic presidential candidate in the 2028 election.