Maryanne Trump Barry, the elder sister of former President Donald Trump and a distinguished former federal judge, has passed away at the age of 86. Her death was reported on Monday morning, marking the end of a life marked by legal achievements, family ties, and some very public disagreements.
Born into the renowned Trump family, Maryanne Trump Barry made her own name in the legal world. She was discovered lifeless in her Upper East Side Manhattan home, and at this point, the cause of her passing remains unknown, as reported by The New York Times. The family has not yet issued an official statement.
Her nephew, Donald Trump Jr., acknowledged her passing while he was testifying in a civil fraud trial against the family’s business in lower Manhattan court. He said, “Obviously, it’s a little bit of a rough day, but I still have got to deal with this stuff so you gotta keep doing it, that’s the nature of all of this.” He continued, “But no, it’s been a rough day for myself and my family and for her grandson.”
While Maryanne Trump Barry was known for her vocal support of her brother’s business and political ventures, she also found herself in the spotlight when she was secretly recorded criticizing President Trump by her niece, Mary L. Trump. This recording unveiled a more nuanced family dynamic, with Maryanne expressing differing viewpoints from her brother, especially concerning immigration issues.
Before her retirement in February 2019, Maryanne Trump Barry had an illustrious career in the legal field. She initially gained recognition in 1974 when she became an Assistant United States Attorney for the District of New Jersey, where she was one of only two women in the office. In 1983, President Ronald Reagan nominated her to a seat on the United States District Court for the District of New Jersey. Later, in 1999, President Bill Clinton appointed her to the US Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit.
During her tenure as a federal judge, Maryanne Trump Barry made headlines for her principled stance on certain issues. In 2006, she publicly criticized a US Immigration Court judge for allegedly “bullying” an African refugee seeking asylum after several relatives had been killed during a coup. Her dedication to compassionate immigration policies put her at odds with her younger brother, President Trump, as highlighted in the secret recording.
Barry’s retirement in 2019 came amid an investigation into alleged tax fraud related to her father, Fred Trump’s, real estate empire. As the eldest of Fred’s children, she was accused of violating judicial conduct by collaborating with her siblings to determine their tax liability. Her retirement effectively ended the probe.
Maryanne Trump Barry’s passing marks the end of a life filled with legal accomplishments, public service, and moments of disagreement within the Trump family. Her legacy will undoubtedly be remembered for her contributions to the legal field and her unique voice within the Trump clan.
In conclusion, Maryanne Trump Barry, the older sister of former President Donald Trump, has passed away at the age of 86. Her life was marked by a distinguished legal career, family loyalty, and some notable disagreements with her brother. Her legacy will endure as a testament to her contributions to the legal world and her role within the Trump family.
