Donald Trump Jr. and Bettina Anderson may be celebrating their wedding weekend in The Bahamas, but new reporting suggests the bride originally had a much more presidential setting in mind.
According to CNN, Anderson initially floated the idea of holding the wedding at the White House. Don Jr., however, reportedly did not believe it was the right call.
Sources cited by the outlet said the president’s eldest son pushed back on the idea largely because of the ongoing conflict involving Iran. Anderson ultimately came around to that view, according to the report.
President Trump reportedly reached a similar conclusion, telling allies he also did not think a White House wedding made sense under the circumstances.
The decision reportedly shelved what could have been a rare modern White House wedding. As TMZ noted, citing information from the White House Historical Association, a Don Jr.–Anderson ceremony there would have been the 20th White House wedding in history and only the third this century. It also would have made Don Jr. the first son of a president to marry at the White House since 1828.
The White House connection may not be entirely finished, however. CNN reported that sources familiar with the matter said a follow-up celebration could still happen later this year.
From White House idea to island celebration
Instead, the couple moved toward a far smaller celebration centered around a private island gathering in The Bahamas.
But technically, the wedding was already official before the tropical festivities began.
Marriage records filed in Palm Beach County, Florida, show that Donald Trump Jr. and Anderson legally married Thursday ahead of their destination celebration, a step that CNN noted is not unusual for couples planning international weddings.
The Bahamas event was intentionally kept intimate, according to people familiar with the plans cited by CNN, with a guest list made up of relatives and close friends.
CNN also reported that additional security measures were introduced after details about the wedding location surfaced publicly earlier in the week.
Trump staying in Washington
One notable absentee from the celebration is President Trump.
The president confirmed Friday that he would remain in Washington rather than travel to The Bahamas.
“I feel it is important for me to remain in Washington, D.C., at the White House during this important period of time. Congratulations to Don and Bettina!” Trump wrote on Truth Social.
Ironically, a White House ceremony would likely have made attendance considerably easier.
There may still be some White House connection to come. CNN reported that sources familiar with the matter said a follow-up celebration at the White House could potentially happen later this year.
The White House has hosted a limited number of weddings over the years. According to the White House Historical Association, a Don Jr.–Anderson ceremony there would have ranked among a small group of White House weddings in American history.
For now, however, the couple’s wedding story appears to belong to The Bahamas — not the White House Anderson reportedly once envisioned.
