Robert Trump dies at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York at age 71 • The President paid tribute to him in a special statement: "He was my best friend" • And is expected to attend the funeral
Robert Trump, the younger brother of US President Donald Trump, passed away last night (Sunday) at the age of 71, local media reported tonight. The cause of his death is not yet known, but he died at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York where he had been hospitalized for the past few days.
The president announced his death in a special statement saying that "with great sorrow I want to share with you that my great brother Robert has passed away. He was my best friend. He will be missed by all of us, but we will meet again. He will be with me forever." Trump ended the statement with the words "I love you. Rest in peace."
Photo: Reuters
According to reports in the United States, Trump is expected to take part in his brother's funeral service and from there continue his election campaign and tell some of the swing states. Two of the president's children shared the great pain of the loss on Twitter; Ivanka tweeted, "Uncle Robert we love you. You are always with us," while Eric Trump shared that "Robert was a great man. Everyone around him felt his closeness immediately. He will be missed by all of us."
Unlike his older brother, Robert Trump dodged the spotlight and stayed behind the scenes. He was a businessman and engaged in real estate.
He recently made headlines following a lawsuit filed by the family against the publication of a book by Marie Trump, the president's niece, "too much and never enough - how my family created the most dangerous man in the world."
Uncle Robert, we love you. You are in our hearts and prayers, always.
- Ivanka Trump (@IvankaTrump) August 16, 2020
According to the family, the writing of the book was a violation of a confidentiality agreement signed by Marie Trump regarding a financial arrangement for the division of the assets of the late father of the family, Fred. A few months ago, Robert Trump said during an interview that he was "very disappointed" with the decision to publish the book and that he and his entire family are very proud of the president.
Over the weekend, the President of the United States visited his younger brother at Mount Sinai Hospital, ABC News reported. During a press conference held at the White House after the visit, the president noted, "I have a great brother. I hope he will be fine." Trump added that their relationship is good. Last June, Robert Trump was hospitalized in the Mount Sinai Intensive Care Unit for a week.
