Former Vice President Joe Biden sent his condolences to President Donald Trump after his brother’s death on Saturday night.
Trump confirmed that his brother, Robert Trump, died at age 71 in New York. The cause of death was not clear, but it was reported that he was ill.
Biden, the presumptive Democratic nominee, expressed sadness for Trump’s loss in a Twitter post on Sunday.
“Mr. President, Jill and I are sad to learn of your younger brother Robert’s passing. I know the tremendous pain of losing a loved one—and I know how important family is in moments like these. I hope you know that our prayers are with you all,” Biden said.
Biden’s first wife, Neilia, and their 13-month-old daughter, Naomi, died in a car crash in 1972, while his son, Beau, died of brain cancer at age 46 in 2015.
Biden’s running mate, Sen. Kamala Harris (D-Calif.), also wrote: “Doug and I join the Biden family in sending our deepest condolences and prayers to the entire Trump family during this difficult time. Losing a loved one is never easy but know that we are thinking of you.”
The White House confirmed Robert Trump’s death on Saturday evening.
“It is with heavy heart I share that my wonderful brother, Robert, peacefully passed away tonight,” the statement said. “He was not just my brother, he was my best friend. He will be greatly missed, but we will meet again. His memory will live on in my heart forever. Robert, I love you. Rest in peace.”
Robert Trump had been admitted to New York-Presbyterian Hospital in Manhattan. The president visited the hospital on Friday afternoon.
“I have a wonderful brother. We have a great relationship for a long time, from day one, so long time ago. And he’s in the hospital right now,” Trump said Friday when he was asked. “Hopefully he’ll be alright, but he’s—he’s pretty—he’s having a hard time,” he added.
Robert Trump also recently served as an executive vice president of the Trump Organization. The president has four siblings.
