Donald Trump Jr.’s relationship with Palm Beach socialite Bettina Anderson has taken a surprising turn with revelations that the 38-year-old model initially had her sights set on a different billionaire altogether: Elon Musk.
According to sources who spoke to multiple outlets, Anderson reportedly wanted to connect with the Tesla CEO and SpaceX founder before she began dating Trump Jr. in the summer of 2024. A friend of Anderson, speaking anonymously due to fear of backlash from Trump associates, made explosive claims about her true intentions.
“She was going for Elon Musk,” the friend stated. “She told me she wanted to have one of Elon’s babies and she thought going after Don Jr would help her get close to Elon.”
The friend added that Anderson shared this goal with several people, suggesting it was her “ultimate goal” at the time. Anderson, who comes from a prominent Palm Beach banking family, did not respond to requests for comment about these allegations. The Trump Organization also declined to directly address the Musk claims when contacted.
The timeline of Anderson’s entry into Trump Jr.’s life raises questions about the overlapping relationships. The 47-year-old eldest son of President Donald Trump was engaged to Kimberly Guilfoyle, 56, throughout 2024, while his romance with Anderson reportedly began that summer. Anderson made her first public appearance in Trump circles at the Republican National Convention in July 2024, where she was seated directly behind Trump Jr. and his then-fiancée.
By January 2025, Anderson attended Trump’s inauguration as a guest, marking a more visible presence in the family’s orbit. The timing coincided with significant changes for Guilfoyle, who had been a top fundraiser for Trump’s presidential campaign and a former Fox News host. Following Trump’s election victory, he appointed Guilfoyle as ambassador to Greece, a move that effectively relocated her overseas.
The relationship between Trump Jr. and Anderson became an open secret in Palm Beach throughout 2024, according to reports. Despite the public nature of their connection, the couple delayed making any official announcement until after the presidential election concluded in November 2024. The residence situation has reportedly created tension, with sources indicating that Guilfoyle expressed concerns about Anderson potentially using belongings she left behind in the apartment in Palm Beach that she had shared with Trump Jr.
The allegations about Anderson’s interest in Musk add complexity to an already complicated situation within Trump’s inner circle. Musk, who has become increasingly involved in political circles and maintains a close relationship with the Trump family, has not been publicly linked to Anderson. The billionaire’s relationship with the Trumps has proven significant, particularly during the 2024 campaign period when Anderson reportedly pursued her connection to Trump Jr.
Anderson’s background as a model and influencer with deep roots in Florida’s elite social scene initially seemed to position her as a suitable match for the president’s son. However, the anonymous friend’s revelations suggest her motivations may have been more strategic than romantic initially. The friend’s decision to speak anonymously reflects the sensitive nature of discussing Trump family matters publicly.
The situation has created an unusual soap-opera style dynamic within Trump’s extended political family. Guilfoyle, now stationed in Athens as ambassador, remains connected to the Trump organization despite the end of her engagement. Her relationship with Trump Jr. spanned several years, during which she played a prominent role in his father’s political campaigns and fundraising efforts.
Anderson’s presence at key events throughout 2024 and into 2025 demonstrates her increasing integration into Trump Jr.’s public life. From the Republican National Convention appearance in July 2024 to the January 2025 inauguration, she has maintained visibility despite the unconventional circumstances surrounding the relationship’s beginning. The Palm Beach community, known for its tight-knit social circles, watched the relationship develop throughout the latter half of 2024.
The Trump Organization’s response to inquiries about the Musk allegations remained limited, with representatives declining to provide detailed statements addressing the specific claims. This silence has allowed speculation to continue about the nature of Anderson’s initial interest in connecting with Trump Jr. and whether her intentions have evolved over time.
As Trump Jr. continues his relationship with Anderson, the revelations from her friend add an unexpected dimension to what appeared to be a straightforward romance between two members of Florida’s elite social scene. Whether these early alleged intentions impact the relationship’s future remains unclear, but the disclosure has certainly complicated the narrative surrounding one of the Trump family’s most public romantic entanglements.