Donald Trump’s White House sent a not-so-subtle message to the press on Tuesday after Trump’s son Barron Trump was subjected to online mockery by a “Saturday Night Live” writer.
A statement from the White House Press Office read: “It is a longstanding tradition that the children of presidents are afforded the opportunity to grow up outside of the political spotlight. The White House fully expects this tradition to continue. We appreciate your cooperation in this matter.”
While the statement does not mention Barron Trump specifically, the message comes after days of the first son being discussed online.
Barron Trump became the focus of attention Friday — the same day that his father was inaugurated into the highest office in the land — after “Saturday Night Live” writer Katie Rich tweeted a joke saying that Barron Trump could become America’s first “homeschool shooter.”
Shortly after, Rich was suspended indefinitely from “Saturday Night Live.”
Barron Trump, 10, has also been the subject of baseless speculation that he might be autistic — resulting in his mother threatened to sue anyone offering that diagnosis.
Many have pleaded for Barron Trump’s privacy, including former first daughter Chelsea Clinton and Clinton-era intern Monica Lewinsky.
“Barron Trump deserves the chance every child does — to be a kid,” Clinton, who herself was famously ridiculed by radio host Rush Limbaugh, tweeted Sunday. “Standing up for every kid also means opposing POTUS policies that hurt kids.”
Lewinsky, meanwhile, tweeted, “All children need to be protected from bullying + mockery. (incl #barrontrump). Let’s be better than this.”
She also tweeted in defense of Rich after the latter apologized for the joke, writing, “”Online mobs are not the answer either. @katiemaryrich has apologized. comedy is an imperfect science. (trust me!)”