President Donald Trump announced Friday that he will not attend his eldest son’s wedding ceremony this weekend, citing government matters and his love for the United States.

Mr Trump said on the Truth Social platform that, although he would have loved to attend Donald Trump Jr.’s wedding to Florida socialite and model Bettina Anderson, circumstances would not permit him to.

“While I very much wanted to be with my son, Don Jr., and the newest member of the Trump family, his soon-to-be wife, Bettina, circumstances pertaining to government and my love for the United States of America do not allow me to do so. 

“I feel it is important for me to remain in Washington, D.C., at the White House during this important period of time. Congratulations to Don and Bettina,” he wrote.

The president told reporters at the White House on Thursday that the wedding is going to be “a small, private affair,” adding, “I’m going to try and make it.”

“This is not good timing for me,” he stated, citing Iran and “other things.”

The wedding will be held this weekend on a small island in the Bahamas, with fewer than 50 people, including the couple’s closest friends and immediate family, expected to attend, CNN reported.

The outlet cited sources saying the president was not expected to attend as the couple wants a private ceremony to minimise security concerns and the disruptions associated with the president’s presence.

Mr Trump Jnr and Mrs Anderson legally tied the knot on Thursday, according to records filed in Palm Beach County, Florida. The marriage is his second.

He was previously married to former model Vanessa for 12 years, and they have five children together. They separated in 2018.