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Trump's younger brother Robert dies at 71 after spending several days in New York hospital

Robert has been the executive vice president of the Trump Organization and has helped to build the empire alongside his brother. He avoided the limelight during his elder brother’s presidency

Robert Trump, 71, the younger brother of President Donald Trump, died on Saturday (August 15). The news of his death was confirmed by POTUS. "It is with a 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," said a statement from the White House. 

The news of his death comes after it was reported that Robert was hospitalized in New York. Trump decided to head to New York at the last minute to meet his brother. The news about his travel was confirmed by White House Press Secretary Kayleigh McEnany. However, the details behind his death have not been released.

There had been reports from the sources close to the family that Robert had been ill for a couple of months. When Trump was asked about his brother's health during a conference, he decided to remain tight-lipped about his condition.  "I have a wonderful brother. We have a great relationship for a long time, from day one, so long time ago. And he's in the hospital right now," he said at that time. "Hopefully he'll be alright, but he's -- he's pretty -- he's having a hard time."

Robert has been the executive vice president of the Trump Organization and has helped to build the empire alongside his brother. He avoided the limelight during his elder brother’s presidency, having retired to the Hudson Valley. But was a big supporter of his brother's White House run and in a 2016 interview with the New York Post, said: “I support Donald one thousand percent." Robert is the youngest of the five Trump siblings and the news about his health deteriorating made headlines in June when he was hospitalized in the intensive care unit at Mount Sinai hospital in New York. 

Before his hospitalization this month, he decided to file a lawsuit against niece Mary Trump in a bid to stop the release of her tell-all book, 'Too Much and Never Enough'. However, the lawsuit did not work in his favor. Despite this, both the brothers have always been close and Robert even organized campaigns for him at the time when he stood for elections. 

Robert had been by Donald Trump's side and made sure his brother had all the support he needed at the time of the election. After hearing the news of Robert's death, people on the internet were quick to express their condolences towards the family. 'Prayers for Trump family' started trending. 

"The loss of a sibling is incredibly difficult and the grief never leaves. Rest In Peace Robert Trump. May God hold the Trump family close to His grace," wrote one user. "Prayers for the Trump family and @realDonaldTrump on the passing of his brother Robert. May his memory be eternal," wrote another. 

"Prayers for the Trump family on this loss. Prayers for comfort, strength, wisdom, peace in knowing for those who have given their hearts to God we will see them again," said another. "Prayers for the Trump family tonight as they walk through the grief that comes with the loss of Robert. I've watched my mother mourn the passings of both her sisters... and she didn't have to do it on the world stage w/ half the nation hating her. Can't imagine the weight of it," said another while reflecting on what the Trump family would be going through.  

The president’s surviving siblings include Elizabeth Trump Grau and Maryanne Trump Barry, a retired federal appeals judge.