Trump says Don Jr is a ‘different human being’ after marrying Bettina Anderson
DUBLIN, IRELAND: President Donald Trump had a lighthearted take on how marriage has changed his eldest son, Donald Trump Jr, saying the 48-year-old has become a “different human being” since marrying Bettina Anderson.
Trump made the comments Friday, September 11, while addressing staff and diplomats at the US ambassador’s residence in Dublin. He joked that Don Jr has “calmed down so much” since tying the knot with Anderson in May.
Trump: My son Don is here. He's calmed down so much. He's like a different human being. He had a lot of energy. Now he's a little less energy. pic.twitter.com/VeOmAGuVKn
— Acyn (@Acyn) September 12, 2026
Donald Trump says Donald Trump Jr has ‘calmed down’
“Don’s here with a whole group — whole group of family. And he just got married, he’s happily married, which is nice,” Trump said.
“He’s calmed down so much. That’s like a good sign. He’s like a different human being,” he added, drawing laughter from those gathered.
The comments offered a personal glimpse into how Trump sees his eldest son following his marriage to Anderson.
Trump was in Ireland at the start of his trip when he made the remarks. He also spoke about first lady Melania Trump, who remained in Washington for a September 11 remembrance ceremony at the Pentagon.
Donald Trump missed Donald Trump Jr’s Bahamas wedding
Trump was not present when Donald Trump Jr and Bettina Anderson married in the Bahamas in May.
At the time, Trump said he was dealing with the escalating conflict with Iran and joked that attending or skipping the wedding could both create problems for him.
“This is not good timing for me. I have a thing called Iran and other things. That’s one I can’t win on,” Trump said at the time. “If I do attend, I get killed. If I don’t attend, I get killed by the fake news.”
Trump still offered his hopes for the couple, adding, “Hopefully they’re going to have a great marriage.”
Donald Trump Jr recently appeared as one of a host of speakers at the Republican midterm convention in Dallas, which ran Wednesday and Thursday.
He also typically comes in third in polls for the Republican presidential nomination in 2028, adding a political backdrop to the family comments.
Donald Trump jokes about Ed Walsh and Melania Trump
Trump also used the Dublin appearance to joke about US Ambassador Ed Walsh, a New Jersey real estate developer who previously lived in Bedminster.
“This is a real easy ambassadorship. Number one, all he has to do is play golf all day and he’s doing a great job,” Trump said.
He also joked about Melania Trump’s decision to remain in Washington.
🚨 UPDATE: President Trump drops this hilarious line after First Lady Melania didn’t come to Ireland with him
— Eric Daugherty (@EricLDaugh) September 12, 2026
“She's very friendly with these people. I said, well, why don't you come with me? She said, well, it's a 7 hour trip. Maybe I'm not THAT friendly.” 😂
“I said, put on a… pic.twitter.com/FDvcV7I9Rw
“My wife is here — my wife is here in spirit,” Trump said, before recalling his attempt to convince her to make the seven-hour trip.
According to Trump, Melania responded, “Well, it’s a seven-hour trip. Maybe I’m not that friendly.”
Trump then joked that she could simply put on a “Make America Great Again” hat and join him, while adding that she sent her regards.
