Donald Trump Jr., the eldest son of former United States President Donald Trump, has officially announced his engagement to model and socialite Bettina Anderson. The surprise revelation was made during the Christmas reception at the White House, adding a personal celebration to the political festivities of the season.
A White House Proposal Announcement
The 47-year-old Trump Jr. shared the happy news with attendees after embracing his father. Taking the microphone, he admitted to being at a 'loss of words' before humorously thanking his fiancée for her one-word answer. 'I want to thank Bettina for that one word: yes!' he joked. He described the nervous moment of proposing, stating that going down on one knee is 'always a little bit rough' because you are never sure of the answer. He called her acceptance a 'big win for the end of the year.'
Bettina Anderson, 38, then took the stage, expressing her gratitude to the former President and First Lady for hosting the event. She praised the White House decorations and called the weekend the 'most unforgettable' of her life. 'I get to marry the love of my life, and I feel like the luckiest girl in the world!' she exclaimed.
Who is Bettina Anderson?
Bettina Anderson is a Palm Beach socialite, model, and the founder and executive director of Project Paradise, a wildlife conservation nonprofit. Her entry into the Trump family circle was first noted in July 2024 when she was seated behind Donald Trump Jr. and his then-fiancée, Kimberly Guilfoyle, at the Republican National Convention.
Their relationship became public knowledge by September 2024, when the Daily Mail reported seeing the pair kissing during a brunch in Palm Beach. By December, they were photographed holding hands on Anderson's 38th birthday. She also posted a bouquet of flowers from Trump Jr. on her Instagram story, tagging him. This period coincided with headlines about the end of Trump Jr.'s engagement to Kimberly Guilfoyle in December 2024. While the split was not officially confirmed, Trump Jr. stated they would 'always keep a special bond.'
The couple made their official debut as a pair at Donald Trump's inauguration in January 2025 and have since been seen together at numerous formal events, sports matches, and red carpets.
Trump Jr.'s Past Relationships
This engagement marks the third major relationship for Donald Trump Jr.
Kimberly Guilfoyle: The current United States Ambassador to Greece was engaged to Trump Jr. after they met at a party in 2018. They announced their engagement in 2020, but it fizzled out amidst his growing closeness with Bettina Anderson.
Vanessa Trump: The former model was introduced to Donald Trump Jr. by his father at a 2003 fashion show. The couple married in 2005 at the Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida and have five children together: Kai, Donald John III, Tristan, Spencer, and Chloe. They filed for an 'uncontested' divorce in 2018. Vanessa Trump is now dating golfer Tiger Woods, a relationship reportedly approved by the former President.
The announcement comes just days after Donald Trump Sr. made headlines for a controversial comment about preferring to go hunting rather than mourn, drawing sharp public reactions. Now, the family spotlight has shifted to a joyous occasion as Donald Trump Jr. prepares to marry Bettina Anderson.
