Donald Trump Jr. is in a new relationship with Bettina Anderson, who, according to reports, is showing interest in a role in the forthcoming Trump administration. This development has sparked worry among those close to the MAGA movement, who are unsure about Anderson’s political stance and motives.
While Trump Jr. was still engaged to Kimberly Guilfoyle, Anderson began dating him. At various Mar-a-Lago events in Florida, she has been seen actively networking, seeking a place on the President’s Committee on the Arts and Humanities. Insiders have questioned her commitment to conservative values.
The President’s Committee on the Arts and Humanities is a prestigious advisory entity that customarily links government and cultural sectors. Its members are typically from the arts, academia, and philanthropy.
Anderson, 38, has portrayed herself as someone capable of making the administration more appealing to the “more sophisticated and liberal Hamptons and Palm Beach types.” However, this stance has been criticized by MAGA supporters who question if her past liberal leanings align with the administration’s objectives.
The 46-year-old Trump Jr.’s relationship with Anderson came into the public eye when they were seen vacationing romantically in Venice, Italy, and at several events at Mar-a-Lago in Palm Beach, Florida. Their relationship has continued to grow despite Trump Jr.’s engagement to 55-year-old Guilfoyle, which ended a few months ago but has not been officially announced.
Anderson’s quick rise into Trump’s inner circle has raised some eyebrows, especially given her past social media activities. Anderson’s posts have shown support for Black Lives Matter and mask-wearing during COVID-19, views that MAGA insiders typically question. In a 2021 Instagram post, Anderson captioned a photo of herself pushing a stroller filled with shopping bags, “When my friends tell me the joys of having children, but I’m always moved by just how tired they look.”
A transition source, who chose to remain anonymous, told the New York Post, “Being a wannabe influencer is nothing new in this world, but is she an influencer or an infiltrator?”
Anderson’s rise coincides with substantial changes in Trump Jr.’s personal life. According to People Magazine, Trump Jr. began dating Anderson around six months ago while still engaged to Guilfoyle. Guilfoyle reportedly ignored the situation due to her attachment to the power and lifestyle that came with the Trump family.
The situation further complicated when President-elect Donald Trump nominated Guilfoyle as the U.S. Ambassador to Greece. This announcement was made shortly after photographs emerged of Trump Jr. and Anderson holding hands. Guilfoyle’s nomination was met with criticism from Greek officials due to her controversial remarks about Greece during its financial crisis.
Anderson’s integration into Trump family circles was highlighted during her recent birthday celebration in Palm Beach, Florida on December 12, 2024. The event featured a $1,300 bottle of champagne and a special birthday cake from Trump Jr.’s ex-wife, Vanessa. The celebration also included a trip to Alaska where Trump Jr introduced Anderson as his girlfriend, while still officially engaged to Guilfoyle.
Despite concerns from MAGA insiders, Anderson has been characterized as a “big Republican” who attended the Republican National Convention. However, her past social media posts and public positions have raised eyebrows within Trump’s inner circle. Transition team members have expressed concern about potential “liabilities” like Anderson trying to “grift their way to more Instagram followers.”
