"I'll Be Criticized Whether I Go or Not": Why Trump May Skip His Eldest Son's Wedding

Iran Conflict Adds Uncertainty to Son's Wedding
President Trump Says "Not a Good Time"
Foreign Media: "Sensitive to Political Optics"

U.S. President Donald Trump avoided giving a definite answer on whether he would attend the wedding of his eldest son, Donald Trump Jr., scheduled for this weekend. While citing diplomatic and security issues such as the Iran situation, he stated, "I will try to attend."

On May 22, Yonhap News, citing The New York Times (NYT) and others, reported that when asked by reporters in the White House Oval Office about his attendance at his eldest son's wedding, President Trump said, "He wants me to be there," but added, "It will be a very small and private event." President Trump also made remarks that seemed conscious of public opinion regarding his attendance. He commented, "I'll be criticized whether I go or not," and added, "Of course, I'm talking about the 'fake news.'"

Reuters Yonhap News

President Trump reiterated, "I will try to attend," but added, "Right now, it's not good timing for me. There is the Iran situation, and there are other matters as well."

Trump Jr. Chooses Private Island Event Over White House

Trump Jr. is reported to be holding his wedding this weekend on a private island in the Bahamas to Bettina Anderson, a socialite from Palm Beach. Foreign media outlets reported that the couple initially considered a White House wedding, but shifted to a smaller, private event in light of potential political repercussions, including the Iran conflict and domestic economic pressures.

U.S. President Donald Trump avoided giving a definite answer on whether he would attend the wedding of his eldest son, Donald Trump Jr., scheduled for this weekend. Citing diplomatic and security issues such as the Iran situation, he stated, "I will try to attend." Photo by Reuters Yonhap News

The Guardian analyzed that President Trump appears to be aware that attending a wedding in the Bahamas could be politically burdensome at a time when public sentiment is worsening due to the Iran conflict and rising living costs. The outlet noted that, as Americans face the burden of gasoline and grocery prices, the president's family holding an overseas celebration could be perceived negatively.

Trump's Eldest Son to Marry Socialite in the Bahamas

Trump Jr., age 48 this year, is the eldest son of President Trump. He married Vanessa Haydon, a former model, in 2005 and had five children with her, but they divorced in 2018. He later became engaged to former Fox News host Kimberly Guilfoyle but broke off the engagement in 2024, after which he began dating Anderson. Anderson is known as a socialite and model who has been active in the Palm Beach, Florida area. Some foreign media outlets have introduced her as coming from a prominent Palm Beach family. President Trump said of Anderson, "I've known her for a long time," and wished the couple "a wonderful marriage."

Trump Junior, eldest son of U.S. President Donald Trump. Photo by Yonhap News

President Trump is also well-known for actively involving family members in political and diplomatic affairs. His eldest daughter, Ivanka Trump, and her husband Jared Kushner were involved in key issues such as Middle East diplomacy during the first Trump administration, and his second son Eric Trump's wife, Lara Trump, has been active in the Republican National Committee leadership. Trump Jr.'s former fiancée, Guilfoyle, is currently serving as U.S. Ambassador to Greece.

Meanwhile, President Trump's official schedule reportedly includes a stay in Bedminster, New Jersey, this weekend. However, foreign media reported that the White House responded to inquiries regarding his attendance at the wedding by referring to the president's public statements on the matter.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.