Robert Trump was the youngest of the Trump siblings and has been described as "the quietest Trump"
Robert Trump, President Donald Trump's younger brother, passed away at the weekend at the age of 71.
The news was confirmed in a statement issued by Trump via the White House after he visited his brother in the hospital.
Who is Robert Trump?
Robert Trump is the younger brother of President Donald Trump, who passed away on Saturday 15 August 2020.
Trump was called to the hospital the day before his death, and he told reporters, "He's going through a terrible time."
Trump was called to the hospital the day before his death, and he told reporters, "He's going through a terrible time."
The cause of Robert's death is unclear and has not been officially announced.
Robert is the youngest of the Trump siblings and was born in 1948 to Fred and Mary Ann Trump parents, two years after Donald Trump was born.
Robert was a businessman who enrolled at Boston University and served as executive vice president of The Trump Organization, where his duties included overseeing the organization's casinos in Atlantic City.
He also served on the board of directors for ZeniMax Media, a company that has produced video games such as DOom, Rage, and Fallout.
In 1980, Robert married Blaine Bird. The two were married until 2007, when they separated.
In March 2020 Robert married Anne Marie Balan.
Trump biographer Michael Dantonio described Robert as "calming Trump," adding, "He was happy to stay out of the spotlight."
While Robert hasn't seen as much media spotlight as his older brother, he was in the news earlier this year when his niece Mary Trump published a book that tells all about the Trump family, titled Too Much And Never Enough: How My Family Created The Most Dangerous Man In the world.
Robert requested a temporary restraining order in an effort to prevent the book from being published, but he went ahead.
In a statement to the New York Times, Robert said: “Her attempt to spark excitement and characterize our family relationship after all these years for her own financial gain is both a farce and an injustice to the memory of my late brother Farid and our beloved parents.
"I and the rest of my family are very proud of my wonderful brother, the President, and I feel that Mary's actions really are a disgrace."
What did Donald Trump say?
In a statement released across the White House, Trump said, "With a heavy heart, I share with him the passing of my wonderful brother Robert Trump peacefully tonight. He was not just my brother, he was my best friend. We will miss him a lot, but we will meet again."
"His memory will live in my heart forever. Robert, I love you. Rest in peace."
Ivanka Trump's daughter posted on Twitter on August 16: "Uncle Robert, we love you. You are always in our hearts and prayers."
As Trump's son Eric tweeted, on August 16, he wrote: “Robert Trump was an unbelievable man - strong, king, and loyal to the core. Everyone who met him immediately felt his warmth. Our whole family will miss him deeply.”
Trump made no statements on his official Twitter account, nor did his wife Melania.
Reactions to the news of his death
US Vice President Mike Pence tweeted his support for Trump after the news broke: “Karen and I were saddened to learn of Robert Trump's death and send our heartfelt sympathy to President realDonaldTrump and the entire Trump family.
>"We pray that their families and friends will rest assured during this difficult time. God bless the memory of Robert Trump." Joe Biden, who is running against Trump for the US presidency, also admitted Robert's death.
Kamala Harris, Biden's running mate who will serve as vice president if Biden wins the election in November, also tweeted her support.
She wrote, "Doug and I joined the Biden family in sending our deepest condolences and prayers to the entire Trump family during this difficult time. Losing a loved one is not easy, but you should know that we are thinking of you."
>"We pray that their families and friends will rest assured during this difficult time. God bless the memory of Robert Trump." Joe Biden, who is running against Trump for the US presidency, also admitted Robert's death.
He wrote: “A. President, Jill and I are mourned when we learn of the death of your younger brother Robert. I know the immense pain of losing a loved one - and I know how important family is in moments like these. I hope you know that our prayers are with you all.”
Kamala Harris, Biden's running mate who will serve as vice president if Biden wins the election in November, also tweeted her support.
She wrote, "Doug and I joined the Biden family in sending our deepest condolences and prayers to the entire Trump family during this difficult time. Losing a loved one is not easy, but you should know that we are thinking of you."