Washington, D.C. – In a surprise announcement that captivated attendees at a White House holiday reception on Monday evening, December 15, 2025, President Donald Trump revealed that his eldest son, Donald Trump Jr., is engaged to Palm Beach socialite Bettina Anderson. The joyous news was shared during the festive Christmas party, marking a significant milestone in the couple’s relationship.
A White House Celebration
The engagement announcement took place during the White House Christmas party, with President Trump personally breaking the news to guests. The president told attendees the couple “get along very well” before revealing they were announcing through him that they’re getting married. He then invited the couple to the podium to share their happiness with the assembled guests.
Donald Trump Jr., 47, appeared visibly emotional as he addressed the crowd alongside his 38-year-old fiancée. “It’s not often that I’m at a loss for words ’cause we usually do the ranting and raving really well,” Trump Jr. said. He expressed gratitude to Anderson for accepting his proposal, admitting to feeling nervous about asking the important question but celebrating her affirmative response as a major victory to close out the year.
Bettina Anderson: A Palm Beach Socialite
Bettina Anderson, who wore an elegant red gown with a matching sequin clutch to the announcement, is a well-known figure in Palm Beach society. Anderson is the daughter of banker and philanthropist Harry Loy Anderson Jr and philanthropist Inger Anderson, born in December 1986. She grew up in Palm Beach, Florida, where she continues to reside.
During her remarks at the White House, Anderson expressed profound gratitude for the momentous occasion. She thanked President Trump for hosting the celebration and praised First Lady Melania Trump for the stunning Christmas decorations. Anderson described the weekend as “the most unforgettable weekend of my life” and said she felt like “the luckiest girl in the world” to be marrying “the love of my life”.
A Relationship Timeline
The romance between Donald Trump Jr. and Bettina Anderson first became public knowledge in 2024. The couple was initially spotted together on a brunch date in August 2024, though Trump Jr. was still technically engaged to his previous partner at the time. By December 2024, sources confirmed they had been dating for approximately six months.
Throughout 2025, Anderson and Trump Jr. have been seen at numerous high-profile events together. They attended the Super Bowl, appeared at the White House Easter Egg Roll, and were present at the U.S. Army’s 250th anniversary military parade in June. Anderson also joined Trump Jr. and two of his children on a trip to Scotland in July, demonstrating her integration into the family.
Previous Relationships
This marks the third engagement for Donald Trump Jr. He was previously married to Vanessa Trump, a former model and actress, for 12 years. The couple, who share five children together, divorced in 2018 after Vanessa filed for separation.
Following his divorce, Trump Jr. began dating Kimberly Guilfoyle in 2018, and the couple became engaged in 2020. Guilfoyle, a prominent Republican surrogate, gave speeches at both the 2020 and 2024 Republican National Conventions during their relationship. The pair reportedly split in late 2024, and President Trump subsequently nominated Guilfoyle to serve as U.S. ambassador to Greece. The Senate confirmed her nomination, and she was sworn in as ambassador in September 2025 before being dispatched to her post in Athens.
A New Chapter
The White House engagement announcement represents a fresh beginning for both Donald Trump Jr. and Bettina Anderson. As the eldest son of the sitting president and a key figure in the Trump Organization alongside his brother Eric, Trump Jr. continues to maintain a high public profile while pursuing various business ventures.
The couple has not yet announced wedding plans or a date for their nuptials, but the enthusiasm displayed at Monday evening’s celebration suggests the wedding will be a significant event for the Trump family and their circle.
Public Reaction
The engagement announcement quickly spread across social media, with political commentator Laura Loomer sharing video footage of the moment on X (formerly Twitter). The news has generated considerable attention from both supporters and media outlets, given the prominence of the Trump family in American political life.
As Bettina Anderson prepares to join the Trump family officially, she appears poised to take on a more visible role in the political and social circles that surround one of America’s most recognized families. Her warmth and grace at the White House announcement have already made a positive impression on those who witnessed the special moment.
The engagement of Donald Trump Jr. and Bettina Anderson marks another chapter in the ongoing Trump family saga, with the couple looking forward to building their future together following a whirlwind romance that captured the attention of Palm Beach society and Washington insiders alike.