Trump Says Iran Crisis May Keep Him From Don Jr.’s Wedding This Weekend

President Donald Trump said he would “try to make it” to his eldest son Donald Trump Jr.’s wedding this weekend, but did not confirm whether he would attend, citing the conflict involving Iran.

The New York Times and other outlets reported on May 21 that Trump was asked at the White House whether he planned to go to the wedding. “I’m in the middle of the Iran issue and a lot of other things right now,” Trump said. “It’s not a good time.”

He said his son wants him there and described the ceremony as “a very small, private event.” Trump added that he would try to attend.

He also said he would face criticism either way. “If I go, I get criticized, and if I don’t go, I get criticized,” he said, adding that he was referring to the “fake news.”

The New York Times said Trump, who has often appeared relatively unconcerned with his image or public standing, seemed more aware of public opinion in this case.

The Guardian said the president appears to understand that being seen partying through the night could look bad while Americans are grappling with rising gasoline prices and food costs.

Trump Jr. is scheduled to marry Bettina Anderson this weekend in the Bahamas. Anderson is a socialite from Palm Beach, Florida, and is known to have studied art history at Columbia University. Trump drew attention in December 2025 when he announced the couple’s engagement at a year-end party at the White House.

Trump Jr. married model and actress Vanessa Haydon in 2005, and they had five children before divorcing in 2018. He later became engaged to former Fox News host Kimberly Guilfoyle in 2021, but the two split in 2025. He was later reported to have begun a relationship with Anderson.

Park Su-rim, Hankyung.com reporter paksr365@hankyung.com