Robert Trump, the younger brother of President Donald Trump, has died following a hospital stay in New York City. He was 71.
The White House confirmed his death in a statement from the president released on Saturday evening, during which Trump remembered his younger brother not only as a loved family member, but as his “best friend.”
“It is with heavy heart I share that my wonderful brother, Robert, peacefully passed away tonight. He was not just my brother, he was my best friend,” said the president in a written statement. “He will be greatly missed, but we will meet again. His memory will live on in my heart forever. Robert, I love you. Rest in peace.”
From President @realDonaldTrump on the passing of his brother and best friend, Robert – “We will meet again”: pic.twitter.com/1mBgx1td26
— Kayleigh McEnany (@PressSec) August 16, 2020
During a press conference on Friday evening, Trump told reporters at the White House that he had a great relationship with his younger brother, who he said was “having a hard time” in the hospital. The reason for Robert Trump’s hospitalization wasn’t clear.
According to ABC News, Robert Trump also spent over a week at Mount Sinai hospital’s intensive care unit in New York City back in June, when he was treated for an unspecified condition.
Politicians started extending condolences to the president and his family beginning on Saturday evening, shortly after Robert Trump’s death was announced by the White House.
“Tonight, we are lifting up [Donald Trump] and his entire family in prayer, as they grieve the loss of Robert Trump,” said Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX). “May God’s Peace and Grace be upon you.”
Tonight, we are lifting up @realDonaldTrump and his entire family in prayer, as they grieve the loss of Robert Trump.
May God’s Peace and Grace be upon you.
— Ted Cruz (@tedcruz) August 16, 2020
“Very sorry to learn of the loss of President Trump’s brother, Robert. Please join me in keeping the entire Trump family in our prayers,” said House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-CA).
Very sorry to learn of the loss of President Trump’s brother, Robert. Please join me in keeping the entire Trump family in our prayers.
— Kevin McCarthy (@GOPLeader) August 16, 2020
“Jeff and I send our sincerest condolences on the passing of Robert Trump. We are praying for [Donald Trump] and the entire Trump family during this difficult time,” said Senator Kelly Loeffler (R-GA).
Jeff and I send our sincerest condolences on the passing of Robert Trump. We are praying for @realDonaldTrump and the entire Trump family during this difficult time. https://t.co/Za4FbLGfE0
— Kelly Loeffler (@KLoeffler) August 16, 2020
Editor’s Note: This article has been corrected from an earlier version in which Robert Trump’s age was mistakenly listed as 72.
This article has been expanded after publication to include additional information.