President Trump said his eldest son, Donald Trump Jr., has become a “different human being” since marrying Bettina Anderson in May, joking that the 48-year-old political heir has finally settled down.
“Don’s here with a whole group — whole group of family. And he just got married, he’s happily married, which is nice,” Trump said Friday during remarks to staff and diplomats at the US ambassador’s residence in Dublin.
“He’s calmed down so much. That’s like a good sign. He’s like a different human being,” Trump added, drawing laughter from the guests.
Trump was in Ireland at the beginning of his trip and also made light of first lady Melania Trump’s decision to remain in Washington for a Sept. 11 remembrance ceremony at the Pentagon.
“My wife is here — my wife is here in spirit,” Trump said before describing his effort to persuade her to make the seven-hour journey. “She said, ‘Well, it’s a seven-hour trip. Maybe I’m not that friendly.’”
Trump joked that Melania could have simply worn a “Make America Great Again” hat and joined the trip, adding that she had sent her regards.
Trump missed Don Jr. and Anderson’s May wedding in the Bahamas as the conflict with Iran intensified. At the time, he joked that attending — or staying away — would put him in a no-win position.
“This is not good timing for me. I have a thing called Iran and other things. That’s one I can’t win on,” Trump said then. “If I do attend, I get killed. If I don’t attend, I get killed by the fake news.
“Hopefully they’re going to have a great marriage,” he added.
Trump Jr. was among several speakers at the Republican midterm convention in Dallas, held Wednesday and Thursday. He generally ranks third in early polling for the Republican presidential nomination in 2028.
Trump also praised the golf skills of US Ambassador Ed Walsh, a New Jersey real estate developer who once lived in Bedminster, home to Trump’s sprawling golf resort and longtime retreat.
“This is a real easy ambassadorship. Number one, all he has to do is play golf all day and he’s doing a great job,” Trump said.
