Trump pulls out of Don Jr's Bahamas wedding: 'This is not good timing for me'

WASHINGTON, DC: President Donald Trump has confirmed that he will not attend his son Donald Trump Jr’s wedding, saying he must remain in Washington due to government responsibilities and ongoing international tensions. 

The announcement was made through a post on Truth Social on Friday, May 22, where Trump framed the decision as one driven by national duty rather than personal choice.

The wedding, set to take place in the Bahamas, had been uncertain in Trump’s schedule for several days, with the president himself previously suggesting he was unsure whether he could attend.

Trump says his 'love' for the US won't allow him to leave

In his official statement, Trump directly addressed both his son and his future daughter-in-law while explaining his absence.

“While I very much wanted to be with my son, Don Jr, and the newest member of the Trump Family, his soon to be wife, Bettina, circumstances pertaining to Government, and my love for the United States of America, do not allow me to do so,” Trump wrote.

He added that his decision was tied to ongoing responsibilities at the White House, stating, “I feel it is important for me to remain in Washington, DC, at the White House during this important period of time.”

Trump ended the message on a personal note, writing, “Congratulations to Don and Bettina!”

Trump prioritizes 'a thing called Iran'

Before the final decision was made public, Trump had already signaled uncertainty when asked about attending the ceremony.

Speaking to reporters on Thursday, he said, “He’d like me to go, but it’s going to be just a small, little private affair, and I’m going to try and make it.”

He added that the timing created complications, saying, “This is not good timing for me. I have a thing called Iran and other things.”

Trump also acknowledged the political fallout he believed would come regardless of his decision, stating, “That’s one I can’t win on. If I do attend, I get killed. If I don’t attend, I get killed by the fake news, of course, I’m talking about.”

He then spoke about his son, adding, “He’s got a very.. a person who I’ve known for a long time, and hopefully they’re going to have a great marriage.”

Donald Trump Jr’s wedding to Bettina Anderson has been described as a private ceremony planned for close family and friends in the Bahamas.

The event comes at a time when the president’s schedule has been dominated by domestic and foreign policy pressures, particularly rising tensions involving Iran.