Donald Trump’s younger brother, Robert Trump has died on Saturday following an undisclosed illness, the US president has said in a statement where he mourned the loss.
Trump’s White House statement read in part, “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. 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.”
The 74-year-old Trump had visited his brother on Friday at a hospital in New York, staying for about 45 minutes.
US media had reported that Robert Trump was seriously ill, however, there were no details of his illness.
Donald Trump has told reporters when he stopped on his way to his golf club in nearby Bedminster, New Jersey for the weekend, on Friday, that “he is having a hard time.”
Robert Trump through far less famous than his elder brother, Robert Trump, who was born in 1948, had long been an integral part of the family real estate empire and was fiercely loyal to the president.
Robert Trump had gone to court to try to get an injunction to prevent the publication of a book by his niece, Mary Trump, titled “Too Much and Never Enough: How My Family Created the World’s Most Dangerous Man.” However, he was unsuccessful in his attempt.
Robert Trump has described the book which painted Donald Trump as a product of a “toxic” as a “disgrace”. Although a temporary restraining order was applied. A judge lifted the temporary order in July, allowing the publication.
Donald Trump has previously called his brother “wonderful”, adding that they have “had a great relationship for a long time, from day one.”
Donald Trump’s daughter and adviser Ivanka had on Saturday on Twitter said: “Uncle Robert, we love you. You are in our hearts and prayers, always.”
