President Donald Trump says he will not attend his son Donald Trump Jr.’s wedding, saying he needs to remain in Washington during an important period for the country.
Trump announced his decision on Truth Social, where he congratulated the couple but said government responsibilities would prevent him from traveling to the ceremony.
The wedding is reportedly expected to take place in the Bahamas over Memorial Day weekend. Trump had previously suggested he might try to attend, but said the timing was difficult because of major issues facing his administration.
Speaking to reporters in the Oval Office, Trump said his son wanted him to be there, but described the event as a small private affair. He added that the timing was “not good” because of Iran and other matters currently on his agenda.
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Trump later said that while he wanted to be with the couple, his duties in Washington and his “love for the United States of America” meant he would remain at the White House.
Donald Trump Jr., 48, is the president’s eldest son and has played a major role as a campaign surrogate and political ally for his father in recent years.
Don Jr. was previously married to Vanessa Haydon, with whom he has five children. He later became engaged to Kimberly Guilfoyle, but the relationship ended in 2024. His current fiancée is Bettina Anderson, a Palm Beach socialite and model.
Trump acknowledged that attending the wedding could create political criticism at a time when the administration is dealing with foreign policy concerns and economic pressure at home.
He said he believed he would face criticism either way, whether he attended the wedding or stayed in Washington.
The decision comes as Trump continues to manage major issues including the conflict with Iran, rising costs for Americans and low approval ratings in recent polls.
The president has attended other high-profile events in recent weeks, including sporting events and golf outings, but said the wedding timing did not work for him.
Trump said he hopes the couple has a successful marriage, even though he will not be there in person.
Trump says he’ll ‘try’ to make son Don Jr.’s wedding this weekend: ‘Not good timing for me’ https://t.co/7KxysJ8pVF pic.twitter.com/wJvl6wKGBr
— New York Post (@nypost) May 21, 2026
