MAGA allies seek to prevent Don Jr's girlfriend Bettina Anderson from attending Trump's inauguration
PALM BEACH, FLORIDA: Donald Trump Jr has found himself dominating tabloid and gossip columns, thanks to his new girlfriend Bettina Anderson.
But it’s not all that lovey-dovey for the couple as MAGA insiders scramble to keep Anderson far away from next week’s historic inauguration. According to sources, her “hard-partying social climber” reputation is causing some serious side-eye in Trump’s orbit.
Insiders spilled the tea to the Daily Mail, saying Anderson just isn’t “MAGA enough" and that her wild Palm Beach party-girl persona doesn’t exactly scream “first family material.”
One source bluntly declared, “The idea that he might have the audacity to bring a casual partner on stage at the inauguration has been described as a potential misstep that could etch this relationship, and its questionable nature, into the history books."
Bettina Anderson's reputation trouble
The 38-year-old Bettina Anderson has quite a colorful backstory, and the Trump world isn’t letting her forget it. Friends of Don Jr and even some of Anderson’s ex-lovers have chimed in, warning the president-elect’s eldest son that she has a habit of dating wealthy men and allegedly prefers “transactional relationships.”
"She's not someone he should be around, and let him know about her past," a friend reportedly told Mediaite.
Meanwhile, sources close to Donald Sr aren’t thrilled either. Trump himself has been advised to keep Anderson far away from the swearing-in festivities. Another insider described her as a “potential liability,” especially as the Trump brand prepares to head back to Washington.
Anderson, however, seems unfazed. She’s been flaunting her MAGA pride, even sharing a snap of custom-made MAGA-themed footwear on Instagram. Word is, she’s planning to make her debut at the inauguration next week, whether the Trump camp likes it or not.
Bettina Anderson and Don Jr: Jet-set romance or PR stunt?
For her part, Bettina Anderson has been living her best life with Don Jr, soaking up the European sun on a romantic Italian getaway just days after their relationship went public. She’s posted everything from love letters to extravagant bouquets sent by the first son, making sure the world knows they’re smitten.
But not everyone’s buying it. “It’s one thing to worry about Palm Beach shenanigans making a stop at Mar-a-Lago,” said a source close to Trump’s transition team. “But to let those problems penetrate the White House is a new level of trouble.”
Some of Don Jr’s inner circle believe Anderson is simply using him as another step on the social ladder. “At least two people close to Don Jr allege that she is only using their friend as her latest step in her ‘social ladder climbing’ and carefree influencer lifestyle,” the Daily Mail reported.
Donald Trump Jr. arrived at Trump’s NYE party at Mar-a-Lago holding hands with his new love interest, Bettina Anderson pic.twitter.com/Ponn0tOPyR
— Merissa Hansen (@merissahansen17) January 1, 2025
Anderson’s sudden surge of publicity hasn’t gone unnoticed, with rumors swirling that she—or her PR team—is tipping off paparazzi when she’s out with Don Jr. “She just wants to be close to the Trumps because it’s the ‘in’ thing right now,” one Palm Beach insider claimed.
Donald Trump Jr. is 'caught kissing' glamorous Palm Beach socialite Bettina Anderson during brunch date without fiancée Kimberly Guilfoyle https://t.co/ngVsX861cy pic.twitter.com/bEnJgTEpLD
— Daily Mail US (@DailyMail) September 15, 2024
MAGA world’s verdict
According to the Daily Mail, it’s clear that the MAGA world isn’t rolling out the red carpet for Anderson. “We want to protect the Trump brand and don’t want her close to the family,” said one source to the outlet.
Still, Don Jr doesn’t seem too bothered by the backlash. According to a close friend, “He and Bettina expect there to be gossip and trash talking, just because that’s kind of the world of Palm Beach and, you know, the universe they live in.”
It's "not really a surprise to either that people are s** talking," they added.