Donald Trump Jr's relationship with Palm Beach socialite Bettina Anderson takes center stage during the Trump family's Christmas celebration.
According to Daily Mail, the 38-year-old socialite has raised concerns among Trump family insiders due to her past support for Black Lives Matter and her reputation as a social climber in Palm Beach circles.
Anderson's presence at the Trump family Christmas dinner at Mar-a-Lago marked a significant milestone in their relationship, as she was photographed seated next to Don Jr. during the festivities. The couple's relationship has become increasingly public following Don Jr.'s split from former fiancée Kimberly Guilfoyle, who has since been appointed as US ambassador to Greece.
Friends and allies of the Trump family are reportedly making efforts to convince Don Jr. to end his relationship with Anderson. Their concerns stem from Anderson's previous political stances, particularly her support for strict COVID rules and the Black Lives Matter movement, which they believe makes her "not MAGA enough" for the Trump inner circle.
The socialite's reputation in Palm Beach has also come under scrutiny, with some suggesting that her notorious party-girl image could be problematic for the first family. Industry insiders who have known Anderson for years claim she has a history of dating wealthy older men who align with her upper-class lifestyle.
Some close to the situation speculate that Anderson may be using her relationship with Don Jr. as a stepping stone to reach "bigger fish," potentially including Elon Musk, who has been designated as the "first buddy" and chosen to lead the new DOGE agency following the 2024 election.
Anderson has been actively showcasing her integration into Don Jr.'s lifestyle, posting photos of hunting equipment and dogs on social media, aligning with his well-known passion for hunting and outdoor activities. The couple recently enjoyed a romantic getaway to Italy, and Anderson has been openly sharing love letters and flowers received from Don Jr.
Their relationship became public just before Donald Trump's upcoming inauguration as the 47th president on January 20, 2025. Sources indicate that Anderson plans to attend the inauguration alongside Don Jr., marking her first major public appearance with the first son.
A source close to the transition team expressed their concerns about the situation, stating:
It's one thing to worry about Palm Beach shenanigans making a stop at Mar-a-Lago, but to let those problems penetrate the White House is a new level of trouble.
The Trump Christmas celebration at Mar-a-Lago represented a significant shift in family dynamics. Anderson's presence at the dinner table, wearing a red dress, marked a notable change from previous years when Kimberly Guilfoyle would have been in attendance. The former Fox News host was notably absent from this year's festivities.
The relationship first came to public attention in September when images surfaced of the couple displaying affection at a restaurant near Trump's Florida residence. At that time, Don Jr. was still publicly engaged with Guilfoyle, adding another layer of complexity to the situation.
Anderson's involvement in the Trump family sphere continues to generate discussion among those close to the situation, with at least two people in Don Jr.'s circle suggesting that their friend is being used as part of Anderson's social climbing strategy.
The emergence of Bettina Anderson as Don Jr.'s new partner has created ripples within the Trump family circle during their Christmas celebrations at Mar-a-Lago. Their relationship has become a focal point of discussion among Trump allies, who worry about Anderson's political background and social reputation potentially affecting the family's image as they prepare for Donald Trump's return to the White House.
