WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump said on Friday that he will not attend the wedding of his eldest son, Donald Trump Jr, citing official government duties and ongoing diplomatic priorities.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump said he had wanted to attend the wedding of Donald Trump Jr and Palm Beach socialite Bettina Anderson but could not do so due to “government business” and responsibilities at the White House.
“While I very much wanted to be with my son, Don Junior, 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,” Trump wrote.
“I feel it is important for me to remain in Washington, DC, at the White House during this important period of time,” he added.
The wedding is reportedly taking place this weekend on a private island in the Bahamas, according to CNN, which cited people familiar with the arrangements. A spokesperson for Donald Trump Jr did not immediately comment.
Trump told reporters earlier that his son had wanted him to attend but acknowledged scheduling difficulties, describing the ceremony as a “small private affair.”
“I have a thing called Iran and other things,” Trump said on Thursday, referring to ongoing foreign policy priorities.
The administration is currently engaged in diplomatic discussions involving Pakistan and other regional actors aimed at facilitating negotiations to end the ongoing conflict involving Iran and Israel, which erupted earlier this year and has contributed to global economic uncertainty.
Donald Trump Jr, who has been previously married to Vanessa Trump, shares five children with her following their divorce in 2018. He was later engaged to television personality Kimberly Guilfoyle before their separation in 2024.