United States President Donald Trump says he will not attend the Bahamas wedding of his son Donald Trump Jr to Bettina Anderson, citing government duties and the conflict with Iran.
Announcing the decision on his Truth Social platform on Friday, Trump said he had wanted to join the couple but felt it was important to remain at the White House during what he called a crucial period for the country. He congratulated his son and Anderson on the marriage.
A day earlier, the president had told reporters he would try to attend but admitted the timing was difficult. “I have a thing called Iran and other things,” he said, joking that the media would criticise him whether or not he showed up.
The ceremony is a small, private affair on an island in the Bahamas over the Memorial Day weekend, with reports putting the guest list at fewer than 50 people. The conflict with Iran has dominated the president’s agenda in recent weeks.
United States media, citing Florida marriage records, reported that Trump Jr and Anderson legally wed on Thursday in West Palm Beach, with the Bahamas event serving as the wider celebration.
It is the second marriage for Trump Jr, who was previously married to Vanessa Trump for 13 years and shares five children with her. He announced his engagement to Anderson, a Palm Beach socialite, at a White House holiday party in December.
