The first lady opted not to attend the April 12 event; she had previously skipped a baby shower Ivanka hosted for Tiffany in April 2025. Don Jr. and Bettina announced their engagement in December 2025 after a Camp David proposal, and there is speculation the wedding could be held in the White House ballroom. Melania recently addressed questions about past ties to Jeffrey Epstein in a White House speech, denying a relationship and urging victims be heard.