Donald Trump Jr. Announces Engagement to Bettina Anderson at White House Christmas Reception

During a private Christmas reception at the White House on Monday, Dec. 15, President Donald Trump made an unexpected and personal announcement—one that had nothing to do with policy or the economy. Instead, he revealed that his eldest son, Donald Trump Jr., is engaged.

Donald Trump Jr. and his fiancée, Bettina Anderson, publicly confirmed their engagement during the holiday gathering. Video footage captured by conservative journalist Laura Loomer shows Don Jr. taking the microphone with Anderson standing beside him, addressing guests with a mix of humor and gratitude.

“Not often that I’m at a loss for words,” Don Jr. joked, adding that he’s usually known for “ranting and raving.” After wishing everyone a Merry Christmas, he turned to Anderson and thanked her for saying “yes,” calling her acceptance of his proposal “a big win for the end of the year.”

Bettina Anderson then addressed the audience, expressing her appreciation to President Trump for hosting the event and praising the festive holiday décor arranged by First Lady Melania Trump.

“This has been the most unforgettable weekend,” Anderson said. “I get to marry the love of my life, and I feel like the luckiest girl in the world. Thank you.”

At 47 years old, this will be Donald Trump Jr.’s second marriage. He was previously married to Vanessa Trump, with whom he shares two children, Kai Trump and Donald Trump III. The couple divorced in 2018. In 2020, Don Jr. became engaged to Kimberly Guilfoyle, though that engagement did not lead to marriage.

On social media, Anderson—who works as a model—has described herself humorously on Instagram, writing: “I’m just your typical stay-at-home mom… only I don’t do household chores… or have a husband… or have kids.”

Could the Wedding Take Place at the White House?

While wedding plans have not yet been announced, the White House could become a potential venue if the couple decides to marry before January 2029, when President Trump’s current term as the 47th president is scheduled to conclude.
           

White House weddings are rare but historic. The most recent took place in 2022, when Naomi Biden, granddaughter of President Joe Biden, married Peter Neal on the South Lawn. The tradition dates back to 1812, when Lucy Payne Washington—sister of First Lady Dolley Madison—married Supreme Court Justice Thomas Todd.

Over the years, several presidential relatives have celebrated weddings at the White House, including Nellie Grant, daughter of President Ulysses S. Grant; Tricia Nixon, daughter of President Richard Nixon; and Anthony Rodham, brother of First Lady Hillary Clinton.

Only one sitting president has ever been married at the White House: Grover Cleveland, who wed Frances Cleveland in the Blue Room in 1886, one year after becoming the second bachelor president in U.S. history.