Donald Trump's brother Robert dies
Donald Trump's younger brother Robert died on Saturday (Sunday in Malaysia) after being hospitalized for an undisclosed illness, the united states president said in a statement mourning his loss.
"It is with heavy heart I share that my wonderful brother, Robert, peacefully passed on tonight," Trump said in a White House statement.
"He was not simply my brother, he was my best friend. He will be greatly missed, but we will meet again. His memory will live on in my own heart forever. Robert, I love you. Rest in peace."
The 74-year-old president had visited his brother on Friday at a hospital in New York, staying for approximately 45 minutes.
US media reports had reported that Robert Trump was seriously ill, although there have been no details.
Donald Trump, who was stopping in New York on the path to his driver in nearby Bedminster, NJ for the weekend, told reporters on Friday only that "he's having trouble."
While much less famous than his elder brother, Robert Trump, who was simply born in 1948, had always been a fundamental element of the family property empire and was fiercely loyal to the president.
Robert Trump unsuccessfully went to court to try to get an injunction preventing publication of a book by his niece Mary Trump, called "AN EXCESSIVE AMOUNT OF rather than Enough: How My Family Created the World's Most Dangerous Man."
The book, which paints Donald Trump as the merchandise of a "toxic" family was a "disgrace," Robert Trump said. Although a non permanent restraining order was applied, a judge lifted this in July, allowing publication.
Donald Trump has previously called his brother "wonderful" and said they have "had an excellent relationship for a long period, from day one."
Donald Trump's daughter and adviser Ivanka said on Twitter on Saturday: "Uncle Robert, we love you. You are in our hearts and prayers, always." - AFP
