MEAWW.COM / NEWS / POLITICS

'A presence like no other': Donald Trump posts heartfelt tribute for sister Maryanne as she is laid to rest

Judge Maryanne died of cancer at her home in Upper East Side on Monday, November 13, aged 86

MANHATTAN, NEW YORK: Maryanne Trump Barry, the retired federal judge and Donald Trump’s older sister, died of cancer on Monday, November 13, at the age of 86.

Her death leaves the former president and his other sister, Elizabeth Trump Grau, as the last remaining siblings of their generation in the Trump family. The former president's elder brother, Fred Trump Jr, died in 1981 following a heart attack that was purportedly brought on by alcoholism.

His younger brother, Robert Trump, died in 2020 at the age of 71 from an undisclosed illness. And just last year, Trump's first wife Ivana Trump died at her residence in New York City.

From her appointment as a district judge by former President Ronald Reagan in 1983 until her retirement from a senior judge position four years ago, Maryanne Trump Barry served on the federal judiciary in New Jersey for more than thirty years.

During the Clinton administration in 1993, she was promoted to the Court of Appeals.

Following inquiries over an alleged Trump family tax scheme, she resigned in 2019 when the New York Times revealed she had benefited from the majority of the schemes.

What did Trump say about his sister Maryanne?

On November 14, the day following his sister’s death, Trump paid tribute to Maryanne on his Truth Social platform.

The former president called his sister a "truly beautiful woman," and praised her intellect and legal career, which included serving as a judge on the United States Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit from 1993 to 2019.

His tribute post began with him addressing his sister’s death, “My great sister, Maryanne, passed away yesterday at the age of 86. A truly beautiful woman, tall and elegant, with a presence like no other, she was also a tremendous student, intellect, and Judge, in charge of the United States Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit, just below the U.S. Supreme Court.”

Trump acknowledged that his campaign for the presidency caused difficulties for Maryanne, leading to relentless attacks from the media and others.

He said, “Her life was largely problem free, PERFECT, until I made it difficult for her when I decided to run for President. The Fake News, and others, went after her mercilessly, and because of the fact that she felt it inappropriate, due to her position, to defend herself, it just never stopped!”

Trump described his sister as "tough and strong," but noted that “she was made to suffer in those years from 2016 until her Retirement.”

Trump ended his tribute by expressing his admiration for his sister and her achievements.

Maryanne was known for her intelligence and legal acumen, and his sadness at her death was apparent in the concluding lines of his tribute post, which read, “I will never forget the many times people would come up to me and say, “Your sister was the smartest person on the Court.” I was always honored by that, but understood exactly what they meant—They were right! She was a great Judge, and a great sister. She will be truly missed!”

Judge Maryanne's funeral service was held at St Ignatius of Loyola Church on Park Avenue around East 84th Street in Manhattan, on Friday, November 17, where most of her kin were in attendance.

Internet sends messages of support for Trump

Although Donald Trump remains the most divisive figure in contemporary US politics, people on the Internet showed empathy for the former president as messages of support and condolences were sent his way.

One X user said, “Sorry for his loss!”

Another user remarked, “This is why u have to love the guy, the love sincerity and self deprecation shines thru , just wonderful.”

Another X user tweeted, “RIP Maryanne”.

One user wrote: “So sad for the President #RIPMaryanneTrump Trump’s Older Sister, Maryanne Trump Barry, Dies at 86 - The New York Times”.

Another X user said, “All our thoughts and prayers to the #Trump family for their lose of #MaryanneTrump Barry.”

And finally, a user tweeted, “No matter your opinion of the former president or his family, be a please be a decent human being and allow them to grieve the passing of their matriarch, former federal judge #MaryanneTrump.”