Donald Trump Jr. has married Florida socialite Bettina Anderson in a private legal ceremony held on Thursday, May 21, in West Palm Beach, Florida, according to a marriage certificate filed with Palm Beach County.

The couple plans to hold a small celebration on a private island in the Bahamas over Memorial Day weekend. Fewer than 50 guests are expected, limited to immediate family and close friends.

President Donald Trump said he will not attend, citing official duties in Washington. In a post on Truth Social on Friday, he wrote: “While I very much wanted to be with my son, Don Jr., and the newest member of the Trump Family, his soon to be wife, Bettina, circumstances pertaining to Government, and my love for the United States of America, do not allow me to do so. 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!”

Speaking to reporters in the Oval Office a day earlier, the president said the timing was difficult due to ongoing matters including Iran. “He’d like me to go, but it’s going to be just a small little private affair, and I’m going to try and make it,” Trump said. “This is not good timing for me. I have a thing called Iran and other things.”

He also noted the media attention surrounding the decision, saying, “That’s one I can’t win on. If I do attend, I get killed. If I don’t attend, I get killed.”

Sources told CNN that the couple had hoped to keep details private and had long expected the president would not attend due to security considerations.

Trump Jr.’s siblings, Eric Trump and Ivanka Trump, are expected at the Bahamas event with their spouses. His five children from his previous marriage to Vanessa Trump may also attend.

A larger reception is being planned for the fall at the White House, according to Christine Schott, a representative for the bride. “They are going to have a bigger celebration in the fall at the White House, or sometime, whenever it’s appropriate,” Schott said. “It’ll be when the president can hopefully attend.”

This is the second marriage for Donald Trump Jr., 48, who was married to Vanessa Trump for 12 years before their 2018 divorce. It is the first marriage for Bettina Anderson, 39, a Palm Beach socialite and Columbia University graduate. Anderson will take the Trump name, her representative said. The couple held a bridal shower last month at Mar-a-Lago.