Attack on Barron Trump's choice of clothing by website sparks outrage
A conservative publication has sparked a massive backlash for launching into a fierce attack on Barron Trump’s choice of clothing.
The Daily Caller accused President Donald Trump’s youngest son of not "dressing like he is in the White House” and argued the 11-year-old needed to start putting more effort into his dress sense.
The article featured a photo of the young Trump wearing loafers, khaki shorts and a red T-shirt emblazoned with the words “On your mark tiger shark” after a flight to Washington. It argued Barron was letting the family down in being so casual and needed to start dressing like his parents.
Chelsea Clinton, the former first daughter who lived in the White House from the age of 12 to 20, has jumped to Barron’s defence.
Ms Clinton, the only child of Hillary and Bill Clinton, tweeted: “It’s high time the media and everyone leave Barron Trump alone and let him have the private childhood he deserves”.
She also said: “Barron is A KID. No child should be talked about in the below manner in real life or online. And for an adult to do so? For shame.”
In the article, entertainment reporter, Ford Springer said: "Barron was returning to the White House from New Jersey on Sunday and while the president and first lady travelled in their Sunday best, young Barron looked like he was hopping on Air Force One for a trip to the movie theatre."
He added: “Barron doesn’t have to worry about all that, but he should. His dad is always looking dapper and his mom has become a worldwide fashion icon since becoming the first lady. The youngest Trump doesn’t have any responsibilities as the president’s son, but the least he could do is dress the part when he steps out in public."
The publication, which is known for incendiary headlines such as “Barack Obama, Killing machine?” and “Barack Obama, Wife Beater”, has been subject to a torrent of criticism on social media.
Critics questioned why would care about what the child wore and branded the story “mean spirited”. It is traditional for the president's offspring to be immune from media criticism and scrutiny and granted high levels of privacy.
Late night comedian Chelsea Handler, who is a vociferous critic of President Trump, said "poor Barron".
“Jesus, they're even inhuman to their own. Ford Springer of conservative Daily Caller slams Barron Trump for his clothes. FORD! Kids are OFF LIMITS!” Kurt Eichenwalk, the contributing editor of Vanity Fair, said.
The White House requested the media grant Barron privacy in response.
Stephanie Grisham, a spokeswoman for Ms Trump told Associated Press: “As with all previous administrations, we ask that the media give Barron his privacy. He is a minor child and deserves every opportunity to have a private childhood.”
This is by no means the first time Ms Clinton has leapt to Barron’s defence. Earlier this year she defended him after he was subject to a barrage of memes on inauguration day.
“Barron Trump deserves the chance every child does - to be a kid,” she said.
Barron, who has grown up in Trump Tower in Manhattan where he has an entire floor to himself, has been the subject of increasing media attention since his father arrived in the White House. He is even said to have become a Manga character in Japan.
The Daily Caller sought to defend their controversial article in a statement from Vince Coglianese who is the editorial director.
“Let’s not pretend the press is suddenly concerned about defending the Trumps,” he said, describing Mr Springer as the “the most pro-Barron Trump writer I’ve ever met.”
“Leave it to the fake news to spin his bro-to-bro advice into some sort of ‘slam.’ He’s just looking out for the kid. Leave Barron alone”.
