Bettina Anderson, the new partner of Donald Trump Jr., is reportedly pursuing a role in the upcoming Trump administration. This has raised questions within MAGA circles about Anderson’s political inclinations and her ultimate intentions.
While still engaged to Kimberly Guilfoyle, Donald Trump Jr. began dating Anderson, who has been actively networking at Mar-a-Lago events. She is aiming for a position on the President’s Committee on the Arts and Humanities, despite concerns about her commitment to conservative values as highlighted by some sources.
The President’s Committee on the Arts and Humanities is an esteemed advisory group that typically connects the government and cultural sectors. Its members usually come from the arts, academia, and philanthropy.
Anderson, 38, has presented herself as a potential asset for the administration to connect with “more sophisticated and liberal Hamptons and Palm Beach types.” However, MAGA loyalists have criticized her approach, questioning whether her past liberal tendencies align with the administration’s objectives.
Trump Jr., 46, and Anderson’s relationship became public following their vacation in Venice, Italy, and appearances at various Mar-a-Lago events in Palm Beach, Florida. Their relationship has continued to grow despite Trump Jr.’s engagement to Kimberly Guilfoyle, 55, which ended some months ago but has not been formally announced.
Anderson’s quick rise within Trump’s close circle has caused a stir, particularly due to her past social media activity. Anderson’s posts show support for Black Lives Matter and COVID-19 mask-wearing—stances that are viewed with skepticism by MAGA insiders. In a 2021 Instagram post, Anderson wrote under a photo of herself pushing a shopping-filled stroller, “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 requested anonymity, asked 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 significant changes in Trump Jr.’s personal life. According to People Magazine, Trump Jr. started dating Anderson “about six months ago” while still engaged to Guilfoyle, who reportedly “looked the other way” due to her attachment to the power and lifestyle of the Trump family.
The situation became more complex when President-elect Donald Trump nominated Guilfoyle as U.S. Ambassador to Greece. This announcement came shortly after images of Trump Jr. and Anderson holding hands emerged, despite Guilfoyle’s past controversial remarks about Greece during its financial crisis, which have been criticized by Greek officials.
Anderson’s recent birthday party in Palm Beach, Florida, on December 12, 2024, underscored her incorporation into the Trump family circles. The event featured a $1,300 bottle of champagne and a special birthday cake provided by Vanessa, Trump Jr.’s ex-wife. The celebration included a trip to Alaska where Trump Jr. introduced Anderson as his girlfriend, despite being officially engaged to Guilfoyle.
Despite reservations from MAGA insiders, Anderson has been labeled as a “big Republican” and attended the Republican National Convention. However, her past social media posts and public positions have raised questions within Trump’s inner circle. Transition team members have specifically voiced concern about potential “liabilities” like Anderson attempting to “grift their way to more Instagram followers.”
