Donald Trump's Kids Aren't Staying Quiet After His Arrest
In a history-making Tuesday, Donald Trump is the first former president to be indicted or "charged with a crime," according to CBS News. As Newsweek reported, Trump was indicted on March 30 by a grand jury on 34 charges–the first time an American president has been indicted. The case revolves around the alleged $130,000 Trump's team paid Stormy Daniels, the adult film star, to stay quiet about a reported affair with Trump in 2006. The charges were brought in New York City, where Trump was arraigned. Trump's legal team denies involvement or "wrongdoing."
As the Wall Street Journal reported, Daniels and the former president had a brief dalliance in 2006, and the money was sent a decade later, just ahead of his first presidential election. As for Daniels, she's not feeling very triumphant about the whole thing. "The fact is that she feels bad that the guy has been charged," her lawyer Clark Brewster told USA Today, adding, "But on the other hand, truly, she knew what the facts were, and she wants him to deal with the truth as well. So from that perspective, there's a degree of feeling like the system is working."
So, are Trump's kids standing behind him through all of this? His sons are being particularly loud about their support.
Eric Trump and Donald Trump Jr. are very much in their father's court
Donald Trump Jr. and Eric Trump have always been their father's biggest supporters. And now that Donald Trump is in big legal trouble, they're of course going to double down. The Daily Beast reported that Don Jr. called this case "Communist-level bulls***" and that Eric told Fox News this is the result of "the weaponization of politics" and that his dad "at some point ... deserves a pass."
And they're not slowing down, sharing how proud they are of Trump on Twitter, and Don Jr. sharing a petition to "defend the Constitution and stop the political persecution" of Trump. They and Trump's team are worried about a potential gag order the court might put on the former president. As Vice reported, this would mean he can't speak about anything involving the case or his insistence that he's innocent. If he does talk, it could send him straight to jail. Don Jr. said in a video that this "feels like a violation not just of your 1st Amendment, but of your 5th Amendment, and probably a bunch of other Amendments!"
According to The Independent, Trump's daughter, Ivanka Trump, visited him a couple of days before he went to New York and posted a simple statement on Instagram. "I love my father and I love my country. Today I am pained for both... I appreciate the voices across the political spectrum expressing support and concern," she wrote.
Ivanka Trump is keeping her distance from her father
Many were surprised when Ivanka Trump decided to issue a statement addressing Donald Trump's indictment, but as it turns out, the extent of her participation in the issue ends there. An aide told The Daily Beast that Ivanka has no interest in dipping so much as a pinky into the matter and is focused on veering away from the Trump brand instead. "That is all," the aide said regarding her involvement.
An insider also claimed that the former first daughter has given up helping her dad altogether. "Even though Ivanka loves her dad, she knows how impossible he can be," they shared with People, adding that the former White House adviser "is recreating her business life and raising her children which are her priorities. She is through with politics."
It looks like Ivanka is making good with her previous statement that she's turning her back on politics completely. When Trump announced he was running for office again, she revealed she would not be a part of the campaign. "I love my father very much. This time around I am choosing to prioritize my young children and the private life we are creating as a family. I do not plan to be involved in politics," she declared to CNN. "While I will always love and support my father, going forward I will do so outside the political arena."
Donald Trump mentioned his children at his Mar-a-Lago press conference
Donald Trump appears hell-bent on showing a united Trump Family front amid his official indictment. On April 4, after he pleaded not guilty to all 34 felony counts, he held a press conference at his Mar-a-Lago estate to address his supporters.
In addition to denying all the charges leveled against him, the former president mentioned his family during his speech, claiming that they're all doing fine despite the legal proceedings. "I have a son here who has done a great job, and I have another son here who has done a great job," he said, referring to Donald Trump Jr. and Eric Trump, respectively. "And Tiffany and Ivanka. And Barron will be great someday. He is tall, he is tall, and he's smart... But I have a great family, and they have done a fantastic job, and we appreciate it very much. They have gone through hell."
Trump made no mention of his wife, Melania, but a source told People she is also part of his support system. "Melania and Donald were both shocked when they were told," the insider dished. "They weren't expecting it, but Melania will support him. That's what she does. They are a family."