Don Jr. brings new girlfriend to Christmas dinner
Donald Trump Jr. brought his new girlfriend to Christmas dinner at Mar-A-Lago, taking his still unofficial relationship to the next level.
Anderson's presence at an intimate family gathering is likely to stoke marriage rumors, with Don Jr.'s engagement to longtime fiancée Kimberly Guilfoyle over in everything but name.
A photo shared on X shows Don Jr. seated at the table with his family and his new girlfriend, 38-year-old Palm Beach socialite Bettina Anderson. Sitting opposite the couple was President-elect Donald Trump, his son Barron Trump, his wife Melania Trump, and Melania's father Viktor Knavs.
Don Jr. brings girlfriend to Christmas
Neither Don Jr. nor Guilfoyle have publicly acknowledged their breakup. Somewhat awkwardly, Guilfoyle is serving in the second Trump administration as an ambassador to Greece.
Guilfoyle was apparently not at Mar-A-Lago for Christmas. But Anderson made the guest list, and she didn't hesitate to show off, sharing a selfie in a festive red dress.
The tabloids got wind of Don Jr.'s new relationship months ago, but Don Jr. has been taking the affair semi-public ahead of his father's White House return next month.
Anderson shared photos from the couple's luxurious Italian vacation this month on her Instagram story, although her boyfriend was discreetly kept out of the frame.
Friends speak out
Some have of Don Jr.'s friends, and members of his father's transition team, have expressed caution about Anderson, her liberal past and fears that she has ulterior motives.
Two people close to Don Jr. told the Daily Mail that Anderson is a "social climber," while some have warned her "party girl" reputation could harm the Trumps' image.
"It's one thing to worry about Palm Beach shenanigans making a stop at Mar-a-Lago," said a source close to the transition team. "But to let those problems penetrate the White House is a new level of trouble."
Anderson's Instagram profile includes this cheeky self-description: "I’m just your typical stay at home mom…only I don’t do household chores…or have a husband…or have kids."
Anderson will join Donald Jr. at his father's inauguration next month, making their relationship official.
Don Jr. hinted at the end of his engagement to Guilfoyle in a statement earlier this month.
“Kimberly and I will never stop caring for each other and will always keep a special bond,” Don Jr. told Page Six in a statement. “I could not be more proud of her and the important role she’ll continue to play in my father‘s administration.”