Melania Trump Addresses Barron Rumors and Speaks Out on Abortion Rights in New Memoir
In her newly released memoir Melania, former First Lady Melania Trump puts to rest rumors about her son, Barron Trump and opens up about her life from childhood to her years in the White House. The book revisits the 2016 controversy sparked by comedian Rosie O’Donnell, who suggested on social media that Barron, then just ten years old, might have autism.
This tweet, as reported by The Daily Beast, led to widespread speculation and media frenzy. Melania recounts her reaction to the incident, explaining that she could not forgive O’Donnell, even after the comedian issued an apology. “Barron’s experience of being bullied both online and in real life following the incident is a clear indication of the irreparable damage caused. No apology can undo the harm inflicted upon him,” she wrote.
Melania further clarified, “There is nothing shameful about autism (though O’Donnell’s tweet implied that there was), but Barron is not autistic.” She criticized O’Donnell for sharing a video that compared Barron’s behavior to that of an autistic child, emphasizing that the attempt to raise awareness had backfired and resulted in online bullying instead.
“Someone had painstakingly compiled the footage and added captions like, ‘His hands are moving erratically and aren’t touching each other. Then he was spotted making strange movements in his seat, typical of children with autism,'” she explained. Melania was appalled, writing, “It was clear to me that she was not interested in raising awareness about autism.
I felt that she was attacking my son because she didn’t like my husband,” as detailed by The Daily Mail. In 2016, O’Donnell had tweeted, “Barron Trump Autistic? If so – what an amazing opportunity to bring attention to the AUTISM epidemic,” linking to the controversial video. However, she deleted the tweet after facing significant backlash.
The tension between O’Donnell and Donald Trump goes back to 2006. The feud resurfaced during a Republican debate when then-Fox News anchor Megyn Kelly confronted Trump about his derogatory remarks about women. She asked, “You’ve called women fat pigs, dogs, slobs, and disgusting animals.” Trump retorted, “Only Rosie O’Donnell,” reigniting their long-standing animosity.
In her memoir, Melania also tackles other controversies that have surrounded the Trump family since 2015, standing by her husband on numerous issues. However, she diverges from Donald’s stance on abortion. Melania expressed her belief in a woman’s right to choose, writing, “A woman’s fundamental right of individual liberty, to her own life, grants her the authority to terminate her pregnancy if she wishes.
Restricting a woman’s right to choose whether to terminate an unwanted pregnancy is the same as denying her control over her own body.” The memoir, rich with personal insights and perspectives, offers a rare glimpse into Melania’s views on the controversies and challenges faced during her time as First Lady.