The White House Christmas reception delivered more than holiday cheer this year. It also became the setting for Donald Trump Jr.’s engagement announcement.
President Donald Trump revealed the news himself during the festive gathering, quickly shifting attention to his eldest son as guests erupted in applause.
Donald Trump Jr., 47, then stepped up to the microphone, appearing both proud and slightly overwhelmed. He admitted he was struggling to find the right words in front of the crowd.
With a smile, he thanked his fiancée, Bettina Anderson, for giving him the answer he had hoped for. He joked that one simple word had changed everything.
Stay up-to-date with the latest news!
Subscribe and start recieving our daily emails.
Trump Jr. told guests that proposing was not as easy as it might look. He explained that getting down on one knee comes with nerves and uncertainty. There is always that moment where you wait, not knowing what will happen.
When Anderson said yes, he said it felt like a major win to end the year.
The room filled with cheers as Anderson was invited to speak. She began by thanking President Trump and First Lady Melania Trump for hosting the celebration.
She also praised the White House decorations, calling them stunning and unforgettable.
Dressed in a red, strapless gown, Anderson looked emotional as she addressed the crowd. She said the past weekend had been the most memorable of her life.
She described Trump Jr. as the love of her life and said she felt incredibly lucky to be marrying him.
As she finished, President Trump leaned in to kiss his future daughter-in-law on the cheek. He followed it with a brief remark — “good luck” — which drew laughter and more applause.
The engagement follows a fast-moving romance. Trump Jr. and Anderson began dating in the spring of 2024. At first, their relationship stayed mostly out of the spotlight.
That changed later in the year, when the pair were spotted together frequently in Palm Beach. Photos soon confirmed they were a couple.
Over time, Anderson became a familiar face at major events. She attended high-profile outings with Trump Jr., including the Super Bowl and the president’s address to Congress.
Her appearance at an official White House dinner honoring Saudi Arabia fueled even more talk. Many close to the family believed the relationship was serious and moving quickly.
Anderson comes from a prominent Palm Beach family. Her late father, H. Loy Anderson Jr., was a respected banker with deep ties to elite social and charity circles.
Her mother was a former fashion model. Anderson and her siblings were raised in a world of private schools, social events, and high expectations.
Featured image via X screengrab
