Melania Trump skips Bettina Anderson's bridal shower as Ivanka and Marla Maples attend

WASHINGTON, DC: As Donald Trump’s eldest son Donald Trump Jr inches closer to tying the knot with Bettina Anderson, with the couple hosting a lavish bridal shower at Mar-a-Lago on Sunday, April 12, an absence did not go unnoticed. 

Melania Trump seemingly skipped the event, PEOPLE reported, quoting sources. 

Melania Trump absent from Bettina Anderson’s bridal shower

While Melania’s absence was noted and raised eyebrows, other notable members, such as Ivanka Trump and Tiffany Trump, Bettina's would-be sisters-in-law, attended the lavish event.  

The president's second wife, Marla Maples, also showed up at the pre-nuptial celebration ahead of Don Jr and Bettina's wedding. Marla even shared an Instagram Story with photos from the event and wrote, "So happy to share in your love. Congrats." 

Even though Melania is known to maintain a low profile and rarely makes an appearance at events, her absence from the family event was widely noticed.

This was one of several events involving Melania that raised eyebrows.

She reportedly did not invite Ivanka, Don Jr, and Eric Trump to Barron Trump’s 20th birthday earlier this year, with only Tiffany reportedly attending the event.

Mar-a-lago decked out in floral for bridal shower

“The shower was gorgeous,” the source told PEOPLE. “The event was held mostly inside and was lovely but there were guests hanging outside some of the time."

The highlights of the lavish event were the decoration of the ballroom, the menu, and high-end return gifts.

The ballroom was decked with flowers, and the menu included dishes like a burrata salad, chicken roulade for the main course, and mixed berries for dessert.

Bettina generously gifted her guests luxury products like skincare, clothing, and more.

Donald Trump Jr and Bettina Anderson eyeing White House as wedding venue

Don Jr, 48, and Bettina, 39, announced their engagement in December last year at a White House event.

Rather than going with Mar-a-lago, the couple is reportedly considering the White House for their wedding venue. 

“This would set them up for future political roles, whether Don Jr goes after the presidency or something else,” the source told PEOPLE. “This is a consideration.”

If they go with the White House, it won’t be the first time for a couple to get hitched there, with the most recent being former President Joe Biden’s granddaughter. Naomi Biden and Peter Neal shared wedding vows in 2022 on the South Lawn of the White House.

Such weddings are historically significant, and it would be a chance for the Trumps to be part of something extra special.