President Donald Trump stated that his son, Donald Trump Jr., has undergone a significant transformation since his marriage earlier this year, joking that he has "calmed down" considerably. Trump made these remarks on Saturday during his visit to Ireland, speaking at the U.S. ambassador's Deerfield Residence in Phoenix Park, Dublin.
"He's calmed down so much. That's a good sign. He's like a different human being," Trump told staff and diplomats, eliciting laughter from the attendees. He noted that Don Jr. was present in Ireland with family members and is "happily married."
Donald Trump Jr., 48, married socialite and model Bettina Anderson, 39, in a ceremony in Palm Beach in late May. The couple subsequently held a reception in the Bahamas. The marriage certificate, obtained by the Daily Mail, indicates the official ceremony took place at the West Palm Beach home of Anderson's sister. Anderson has stated she will be adopting the Trump surname.
President Trump was unable to attend his eldest son's wedding, citing national security concerns due to the escalating war with Iran at the time. He previously commented on his absence, saying, "This is not good timing for me. I have a thing called Iran and other things."
Don Jr. and his new wife were joined by Trump's other children, Eric, 42, and Ivanka, 44, for their celebrations in the Bahamas following the wedding. Don Jr. also recently spoke at the Republican midterm convention in Dallas, Texas.
During his trip to Ireland, President Trump also addressed the absence of First Lady Melania Trump, stating she was present "in spirit" after declining to make the seven-hour journey. He also made a jest about her potentially wearing a "Make America Great Again" hat if she had accompanied him.
President Trump arrived in Dublin on Saturday morning and held official meetings at Phoenix Park with Irish President Catherine Connolly and Taoiseach Micheál Martin. He is scheduled to spend the remainder of his trip at his resort in Doonbeg and attend the Amgen Irish Open golf tournament before returning to the U.S. on Sunday evening.