Former First Lady Melania Trump breaks her silence on long-standing speculation about her son Barron's health.
According to the Daily Beast, Melania Trump vehemently denies that Barron, now 18, is on the autism spectrum.
She attributes the origin of these rumors to a viral video from November 2016, which purportedly showed signs of autism in Barron's behavior during his father's speech at the Republican National Convention.
In her upcoming memoir, Melania Trump tackles the persistent rumors about her son Barron's autism diagnosis. The 184-page memoir, simply titled "Melania," delves into various aspects of her life in the public eye, including her time as First Lady and her relationship with former President Donald Trump. However, it is her candid discussion of the autism rumors surrounding her son that has garnered significant attention.
The former First Lady specifically calls out comedian Rosie O'Donnell for amplifying the rumors. O'Donnell shared the video on Twitter, claiming it was an opportunity to raise awareness about autism. However, Melania saw it differently.
Melania Trump writes in her memoir:
I was appalled by such cruelty. 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.
She goes on to describe the emotional toll the incident took on her, stating that it felt like her heart was breaking into pieces. The book reveals that the impact of O'Donnell's tweet extended beyond the online realm, suggesting that Barron faced bullying both online and in real life as a result.
Throughout the memoir, Melania emphasizes her role as a protective mother. She explains that Barron's behavior at the 2016 RNC was typical for a 10-year-old child and not indicative of autism. The former First Lady stresses that while there is nothing shameful about autism, Barron is not autistic.
Melania offers glimpses into Barron's life, describing him as a "remarkable young man" with a combination of intelligence, charm, and diligence. She mentions his circle of friends, thirst for knowledge, and range of hobbies, painting a picture of a well-rounded teenager. The book also touches on Barron's current status as a freshman at New York University's Stern School of Business. Interestingly, Melania suggests that she is living with him in Trump Tower rather than having him stay in a college dorm.
While the discussion about Barron takes center stage, Melania's memoir covers a wide range of topics related to her time in the public eye. She uses the book as an opportunity to defend herself and her husband against various critics and controversies.
One notable revelation is Melania's stance on abortion rights, which appears to diverge from her husband's political position. She expresses a strong belief in a woman's right to make decisions about her own body, a view that contrasts with the conservative stance typically associated with the Trump administration.
The former First Lady writes:
Why should anyone other than the woman herself have the power to determine what she does with her own body? A woman's fundamental right of individual liberty, to her own life, grants her the authority to terminate her pregnancy if she wishes.
Melania Trump's memoir provides a rare look into the personal life of one of America's most scrutinized families. By addressing the autism rumors and other controversies head-on, she offers her perspective on events that have long been subject to public speculation. The book's release, just a month before the upcoming election, is likely to reignite discussions about the Trump family's impact on American politics and culture.