In a festive announcement that blended family celebration with political pageantry, President Donald Trump revealed on December 15, 2025, that his eldest son, Donald Trump Jr., is engaged to Palm Beach socialite and philanthropist Bettina Anderson. The news was shared during a Christmas reception at the White House, marking a joyful end to the year for the Trump family amid the president's second term. The engagement comes after a year-long relationship that has seen the couple integrate into high-profile Trump family events, from inaugurations to international trips.
The revelation unfolded during the holiday gathering, showing President Trump inviting his son and future daughter-in-law to the microphone. Dressed in a striking red strapless gown, the 38-year-old Anderson exuded glamour as she joined Trump Jr., 47, on stage. The president, beaming with pride, described the couple as getting along "very well" and announced their impending marriage to applause from the assembled guests, which included White House staff, supporters, and dignitaries.
Taking the microphone after embracing his father, Trump Jr. humorously admitted to being "at a loss for words," a rare state for the outspoken businessman and political commentator known for his fiery social media presence and podcast rants. "I'm not usually at a loss for words, because I'm usually doing the ranting and raving really well," he quipped. "I want to thank Bettina for that one word: 'Yes!'" He elaborated on the proposal, which occurred over the weekend, revealing a moment of vulnerability: "When you go down there, it’s like, you’re gonna go, and you’re trying to ask, and you’re not sure what the answer’s gonna be. It’s always a little bit rough. But she said yes, which is a big win for the end of the year."
Anderson, stepping up next, expressed her gratitude to the president and First Lady Melania Trump for hosting the event and praised the elaborate holiday decorations. "Wow, what a privilege it is to be here at the White House, Mr. President, thank you so much for hosting this incredible party, and to our First Lady, these decorations, am I right, aren't they unbelievable?" she said. Reflecting on the engagement, she added, "This has really been the most unforgettable weekend of my life, and I get to marry the love of my life, and I feel like the luckiest girl in the world!" The crowd erupted in cheers, underscoring the warm reception to the news within the Trump inner circle.
The couple's romance has been a subject of media interest since its early days. They were first publicly linked in August 2024, when photos surfaced of them enjoying a brunch date in Palm Beach, Florida. At that time, Trump Jr. was still engaged to Kimberly Guilfoyle, his partner since 2018. Sources close to the pair indicated in September 2024 that they were spending time apart, with the split becoming official in December 2024. Shortly after the breakup, President Trump nominated Guilfoyle, a former Fox News host and key campaign figure, as U.S. ambassador to Greece—a position confirmed by the Senate in September 2025.
Following the split, Trump Jr. and Anderson's relationship progressed rapidly. In December 2024, he joined her for a birthday dinner in Palm Beach, and she attended the Trump family's New Year's Eve celebration at Mar-a-Lago. By January 2025, Anderson was by his side at President Trump's second inauguration, signaling her integration into the family fold. The couple also accompanied the president on a family trip to Scotland earlier in 2025, participating in a golf course ribbon-cutting and a trade deal announcement. Insiders have praised the match, with one source noting in February 2025 that "Bettina seems great for him."
Bettina Anderson, a model and prominent figure in Palm Beach's social scene, is the daughter of philanthropists Harry Loy Anderson Jr. and Inger Anderson. She is actively involved in charitable causes, serving as an advocate for the Audrey Gruss' Hope for Depression Research Foundation, which funds innovative medical research on depression. Additionally, Anderson is a driving force behind Project Paradise, a conservation initiative in Florida aimed at preserving natural habitats. She dedicates time weekly to the Literacy Coalition of Palm Beach County, promoting education and literacy programs. Her Instagram bio playfully describes her as "just your typical stay at home mom … only I don’t do household chores … or have a husband … or have kids," reflecting a lighthearted self-image amid her philanthropic endeavors.
For Trump Jr., this engagement marks a new chapter following a high-profile personal life. He was previously married to Vanessa Trump for 12 years, from 2005 to 2018, after proposing to her in 2004 at a jewelry store—a moment that drew media attention due to promotional ties. The couple shares five children: Kai Madison (18), Donald John III (16), Tristan Milos (14), Spencer Frederick (13), and Chloe Sophia (11). After the divorce, Trump Jr. began dating Guilfoyle in 2018, getting engaged in 2020. Guilfoyle, who served as finance chair for the 2020 Trump campaign, remains a close ally to the family despite the split.
The engagement has sparked widespread media coverage, with outlets highlighting Anderson's transition from Palm Beach socialite to a fixture in the Trump orbit. Tabloid speculation surrounded the couple during the 2024 election campaign, but their public appearances have portrayed a united front. As the Trump administration navigates its early months, this personal milestone adds a layer of family focus to the political landscape.
While wedding details remain undisclosed, the proposal reportedly involved a large diamond ring, spotted on Anderson in recent photos. The couple's excitement for the future caps a whirlwind romance that has captivated observers from Florida's elite circles to the halls of Washington.
This engagement not only signifies a personal commitment but also reflects the enduring public interest in the Trump family's dynamics. As Donald Trump Jr. continues his roles in business, media, and political advocacy—including co-hosting the "Triggered" podcast and supporting his father's agenda—the union with Anderson promises to blend philanthropy, social influence, and family legacy in the years ahead.


