Outrageous: Trump Denied Healthcare to His Nephew's Sick Baby

The Story That Was Ignored—Until Now

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In December 2000, the New York Daily News broke a story about Donald Trump that flew under the radar.

The article details how, amid a bitter family dispute over his father’s will, Trump—already wealthy in his own right—cut off the medical coverage for his nephew’s severely ill infant son.

The New York Times and The New Yorker briefly covered the incident again in 2016, but Trump's meteoric rise in politics overshadowed the story.

As public interest in Trump’s personal history resurfaces, this once-buried story deserves a second look.

The Trump Family Dynamics

The Trump family’s interactions have always been complex, shaped by patriarch Fred Trump Sr.’s fierce ambitions and authoritarian approach.

Donald Trump, the second son, was favored as the natural successor to the real estate empire. His older brother, Fred Trump Jr., known as “Freddy,” didn’t fit the mold.

Freddy sought a different path, becoming a pilot, which clashed with his father’s vision for the family business.

As Donald Trump climbed the ranks of the family empire, Freddy struggled with alcoholism, ultimately dying at age 43 in 1981.

Freddy’s Children and the Inheritance Battle

Freddy left behind two children, Fred III and Mary Trump. When Fred Sr. died in 1999, the will left the bulk of his estimated $100 million to $300 million estate to Donald, Maryanne, Robert, and Elizabeth Trump.

Freddy’s children received comparatively less, sparking a lawsuit filed by Fred III and Mary. They argued that their grandfather’s will had been manipulated through "undue influence" during his struggle with Alzheimer’s, leading to the exclusion of their rightful share.

Fred III’s wife, Lisa, subsequently went into labor, and their son, William, was born prematurely. The baby soon faced severe medical complications, starting with a life-threatening seizure just 48 hours after birth.

Cutting Off Medical Coverage for a Sick Infant

William was diagnosed with infantile spasms, a rare neurological disorder with devastating consequences, including a high risk of cerebral palsy and developmental disabilities.

Initially, the Trump family’s insurance plan covered the extensive medical expenses, including emergency treatments, round-the-clock nursing, and specialists.

William’s care required consistent and costly interventions, with medical bills exceeding $300,000 in the first year alone.

Trump’s Retaliation

On March 30, 2000, shortly after Fred III and Mary Trump filed their legal challenge, Donald Trump and his siblings retaliated by terminating medical coverage for William.

Fred III received a certified letter stating that coverage for his family would end on May 1.

The move blindsided Fred and Lisa, who were suddenly scrambling to cover their son’s urgent medical needs.

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Donald Trump’s Justification

When asked about his decision, Trump was unapologetic. In an interview with the New York Daily News, he said: "When [Fred III] sued us, we said, 'Why should we give him medical coverage?'"

Asked whether cutting off coverage for a sick infant might appear cold-hearted, Trump responded, "I can’t help that. It’s cold when someone sues my father."

This brutal response underscores Trump’s broader philosophy—one driven by business-like pragmatism, even in the most personal of matters. He made it clear that family disputes were no exception to his hardball tactics.

The Legal Battle Over William's Coverage

Fred III quickly sought legal action in Nassau County to restore his son’s medical benefits. The court sided with him, ordering the Trumps to continue coverage until the inheritance lawsuit was resolved.

Fred III described his stance as one of principle rather than financial necessity, highlighting that his lawsuit was motivated by a desire for recognition of his late father’s legacy.

The Emotional Toll

Lisa Trump spoke candidly about the ordeal: “We just don’t know what William’s future holds. He desperately needs extra care.”

Despite the court’s ruling, the Trumps’ termination of coverage had a lasting impact. For Lisa and Fred III, the legal battle was not just about money but about fighting for their son’s right to adequate medical care.

Meanwhile, William’s health issues persisted, requiring extensive therapies and ongoing medical attention. He eventually developed cerebral palsy, adding to the emotional and financial burdens.

Broader Implications for Trump's Character

This episode is more than just a family squabble—it offers a revealing look into Donald Trump’s character and decision-making. It illustrates his approach to conflict, retaliation, and the limits of his loyalty, even to close family members.

Trump’s actions during this legal dispute mirror his broader ethos in business and politics: a willingness to take hardline stances, even if it means collateral damage.

The Fallout

While Donald Trump has maintained that the lawsuit was settled “very amicably,” Fred III and Mary have never publicly echoed that sentiment.

The settlement terms have remained confidential, but the fallout from the inheritance battle left a deep rift in the Trump family.

In a 2016 interview, Donald reflected on his brother’s life and noted that Freddy was “the opposite” of him. He described Freddy as someone who would have been “an amazing peacemaker” had it not been for his struggles with alcoholism.

However, Trump’s own role in escalating the family conflict is in sharp contrast to that statement.

Conclusion

The story of Donald Trump cutting off medical coverage for his sick nephew amid a family feud over money is not just a personal tale—it’s a case study in how Trump operates.

It’s a reminder that his ruthlessness in business and politics is not reserved for adversaries but can extend to his own bloodline.

As this story resurfaces in today’s political climate, it forces a reevaluation of what Trump’s past actions reveal about his values, both as a businessman and as a leader.