Trump Uses White House Christmas Reception to Spotlight Don Jr.’s Engagement

Donald Trump Jr. is engaged to Bettina Anderson after a whirlwind romance that started just over a year ago.

The announcement came during a White House Christmas reception on Monday night. President Donald Trump revealed the news before giving his eldest son the spotlight.

After hugging his father, Trump Jr., 47, stepped to the microphone and admitted he was at a loss for words. “I want to thank Bettina for that one word: yes!” he said, making the crowd laugh.

He explained that he had been nervous when he got down on one knee. “When you go down there, you’re trying to ask, and you’re not sure what the answer’s going to be. It’s always a little bit rough. But she said yes, which is a big win for the end of the year,” he added.

The crowd applauded as Bettina Anderson, 38, took the microphone. She looked elegant in a red, strapless gown and beamed with happiness.

“Wow, what a privilege it is to be here at the White House, Mr. President, thank you so much for hosting this incredible party,” she said. “And to our First Lady, these decorations, am I right? Aren’t they unbelievable?”

Anderson went on to talk about her excitement for the future. “This has really been the most unforgettable weekend of my life, and I get to marry the love of my life, and I feel like the luckiest girl in the world!”

President Trump then gave his future daughter-in-law a kiss on the cheek. “Good luck,” he said, prompting more applause and laughter from the audience.

Donald Trump Jr. and Bettina Anderson began dating in spring 2024. The relationship quickly became serious but was mostly kept private.

In September 2024, they were photographed sharing a kiss during an intimate dinner at a Palm Beach restaurant. At that time, their relationship was an open secret in the area, even though Trump Jr. had not publicly split from ex-girlfriend Kimberly Guilfoyle.

By early December 2024, the couple was seen enjoying romantic nights out together. Over 2025, they appeared at several high-profile events, including the Super Bowl in New Orleans and President Trump’s March address to Congress.

Speculation about an engagement grew when Anderson attended a White House dinner honoring Saudi Arabia. She wore a dazzling teal caped gown, which insiders said turned heads.

“Don is in love with Bettina,” a MAGA insider told The Daily Mail. “He is telling friends, ‘This is the woman I love.’ His dad loves her. They all feel she is classy and has an impeccable fashion sense. Don brought her to the most high-profile White House gala so proudly.”

Bettina Anderson has also become part of the Trump inner circle. She was photographed with Tiffany Trump, 32, and her husband Michael Boulos, 28. Tiffany and Michael married in 2022 at Mar-a-Lago. Her presence at these events shows how quickly she has been accepted by the family.

Anderson was born into a wealthy Palm Beach family. Her father, Harry Loy Anderson Jr., was a banker who ran multiple financial institutions. Her mother, Inger, was a model in New York. Bettina has a twin sister, Kristina, and grew up attending private schools and elite social events.

Donald Trump Jr. was married to Vanessa Trump from 2005 to 2018, and they share five children. The family has stayed on good terms, and Vanessa attended the White House reception.

After Vanessa, Trump Jr. dated Kimberly Guilfoyle, who is now serving as the U.S. ambassador to Greece.

The engagement marks a joyful new chapter for Trump Jr. and Bettina. Their romance has gone from secret Palm Beach dates to public appearances and, finally, an official announcement at the White House.

Featured image via X screengrab