U.S. President Donald Trump announced in a statement on the 22nd (local time) that he would not be able to attend his eldest son, Donald Trump Jr.'s wedding.

He stated, "I desperately want to be with my son Don Jr. and his fiancée Bettina, who will be a new member of the Trump family, but due to government duties and patriotism to the United States, I cannot."

President Trump added, "I believe it is important for me to remain at the White House in Washington D.C. during this critical time. My sincere congratulations to Don and Bettina!"

According to CNN, this small wedding will have fewer than 50 guests, and Trump's absence may have been deliberate and long-planned as the couple desired an extremely private ceremony.

Donald Trump Jr. and Palm Beach socialite Bettina Anderson are scheduled to marry on a small island in the Bahamas.

President Trump had previously told reporters at the White House on Thursday that it would be difficult for him to attend the wedding, saying, "This is not the appropriate time for me," and added, "This wedding will be a small, private event."

On that day, he joked, "There are issues with Iran and other matters," and added, "I'll die from fake news anyway."

Trump added, "But he is marrying a wonderful woman whom I have known for a long time, and I wish them a happy married life."

President Trump is scheduled to be at the White House on Saturday and Sunday, after delivering a speech at a rally at Rockland Community College in Suffern, New York, on Friday afternoon.

The announcement that President Trump will remain at the White House, despite the Memorial Day holiday weekend, comes as negotiations to end the war with Iran continue amidst an ongoing ceasefire.

On Thursday the 21st, Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that there was "some movement (progress)" in the negotiations with Iran, but also warned that a "Plan B" should be prepared in case the negotiations fail. President Trump is deliberating whether to maintain the temporary ceasefire or to launch new military attacks.

NNP Chief Reporter Sung Ku Hong / Special Correspondent NNP info@newsandpost.com