So, the 2025 inauguration happened, and while everyone was focused on the political shifts in D.C., the real tea was brewing in the front rows—and at the high-end after-parties. People have been buzzing because Donald Trump Jr.'s new girlfriend attended inauguration weekend, effectively "hard-launching" their relationship on the world's biggest stage.
If you haven’t been keeping up with the Palm Beach social circuit, her name is Bettina Anderson. She’s a model and socialite who basically moved into the spotlight the second she stepped out in Washington. Honestly, the whole thing felt like a scene out of a high-stakes soap opera. You’ve got the ex-fiancée, the new flame, and the President of the United States all in the same orbit. It was bound to be a little messy.
Who is Bettina Anderson?
Bettina isn't exactly a newcomer to the "rich and famous" lifestyle. She’s 38, from a very wealthy Florida family, and has been a fixture in the "Waspy" circles of Palm Beach for years. Her dad was a bank president, her mom is a big-deal philanthropist, and Bettina herself has done everything from modeling for luxury brands to co-founding a non-profit called Paradise.
She’s got that "old money" vibe that’s a bit different from the high-octane energy we usually see in the Trump orbit. Think more art history degree from Columbia and less Fox News shouting.
The Great Inauguration Shuffle
The weekend was basically an exercise in tactical seating. Donald Trump Jr.'s new girlfriend attended inauguration weekend events like the Liberty Ball and a candlelit dinner at the National Building Museum, but she wasn't always right next to the family.
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Interestingly, while Bettina was spotted looking radiant in a black-and-white houndstooth Dolce & Gabbana suit, Kimberly Guilfoyle—Don Jr.’s ex—was also there.
Talk about awkward.
Kimberly wasn't just lurking; she was there as a dignitary. Remember, she was appointed the U.S. Ambassador to Greece right after the split. So, while Bettina was the "plus-one" at the balls, Kimberly was at the actual closed-door swearing-in ceremony at the Capitol. Sources say Kim kept a "watchful eye" on the new couple, but kept it civil. No public hair-pulling, which, let's be real, is a win for everyone involved.
Why the Timing Raised Eyebrows
The transition from Kimberly to Bettina happened fast. Like, blink-and-you-missed-it fast.
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- August 2024: Rumors start when Don Jr. and Bettina are seen at brunch.
- December 2024: They’re caught holding hands in Palm Beach for her birthday.
- January 2025: She’s officially the "new girlfriend" at the inauguration.
- December 2025: They’re already engaged.
Yeah, you read that right. By the end of 2025, Don Jr. popped the question at the presidential retreat, and the big announcement was made by his dad at a White House Christmas party. It’s been a whirlwind.
Does the President Approve?
There was a lot of gossip initially that Donald Trump wasn't a huge fan of the new pairing. Rumors flew that he preferred Kimberly’s "workhorse" energy and was wary of Bettina’s socialite reputation. But by the time the engagement rolled around, the vibe shifted.
Insiders told People that the President eventually warmed up once she "toned it down." He apparently likes that she’s polished and knows how to stand back and let the Trumps be the Trumps. It’s a very specific family dynamic, and Bettina seems to have figured out the manual.
What Most People Get Wrong
A lot of folks think this was a sudden "rebound" situation. But if you look at the timeline, the cracks with Kimberly had been there for a while. They were bickering at Mar-a-Lago long before Bettina entered the frame.
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The most surprising detail? Don Jr. and Kimberly still own a $9.7 million mansion in Jupiter together. Imagine moving on to a new fiancée while your name is still on a mortgage with your ex. That’s a level of financial entanglement most of us couldn't handle, but in that world, it's just another Tuesday.
Life in the "New" Trump Circle
Bettina is definitely making her mark. Since the inauguration, she’s been seen:
- Jet-setting to Scotland with Don Jr.’s kids (Kai, Chloe, etc.).
- Sitting ringside at FIFA Club World Cup matches.
- Befriending Marla Maples (Don Jr.’s former stepmom).
She’s integrating. She’s not trying to lead the MAGA rallies like Kimberly did; she’s more about the "lifestyle" side of the brand.
What Happens Next?
If you're following this story, the next big thing is obviously the wedding. With a White House engagement already in the bag, the nuptials are expected to be massive.
What you should watch for:
- The Venue: Will they do Mar-a-Lago, or go for something more "Palm Beach chic"?
- The Guest List: Will Kimberly Guilfoyle get an invite? (Probably not, she'll likely be busy in Athens).
- The Role: See if Bettina takes on any official "First Family" projects or sticks to her environmental non-profit work.
If you want to keep up with the latest, keep an eye on Don Jr.’s Instagram—he’s been much more open about sharing photos of Bettina than he was in the early, "secret" days of their romance. You can also follow socialite photographers in Palm Beach, who usually catch the couple at charity events before the tabloids even get the tip.