The Trump family’s history over the decades reveals a tapestry of resilience, health struggles, and unexpected tragedies. From life-threatening emergencies to cognitive decline and untimely deaths, several of Donald Trump’s closest relatives faced serious medical challenges that, while varied, share a thread of profound impact across generations.

Decades ago, a young Donald Trump witnessed his mother, Mary MacLeod Trump, endure a near-fatal emergency following childbirth. After hemorrhaging and undergoing a critical hysterectomy, Mary developed peritonitis and underwent four operations in just two weeks. Though she survived thanks to swift action from her husband, Fred Sr., and a Columbia surgeon, the ordeal left her with lifelong health issues. Nevertheless, Mary resumed managing her bustling household of five children, becoming a pivotal figure around whom family life revolved.

Donald often credited his mother with instilling in him a sense of flair and showmanship, once sharing her advice publicly: “Trust in God and be true to yourself.” Yet health battles in the Trump family were far from over.

Fred Trump Sr., Donald’s father, eventually showed signs of cognitive decline consistent with Alzheimer’s disease. By the 1980s, Fred Sr. began exhibiting concerning behavior, such as wandering off without explanation. Family members described the growing burden of his care, while incidents—like failing to recognize his own children—underscored the disease’s devastating progression. Even then, Fred Sr.’s real estate empire and standing in the community kept him visible, masking the severity of his condition for a time.

Meanwhile, Fred Trump Jr., Donald’s elder brother, faced a different struggle: a battle with alcohol. Known in his youth for his charm and a promising aviation career, Fred Jr.’s life veered off course as drinking became a serious issue. His dream of flying was abandoned after being terminated from TWA, and pressure from the family to join the real estate business only deepened his disillusionment. Fred Jr. ultimately died in 1981 at just 42 years old from complications related to alcoholism—a loss Donald later described as having a lasting impact on him.

Years later, Robert Trump, Donald’s youngest brother, faced his own medical crisis. In 2020, after suffering brain bleeds following a fall and while on blood thinners, Robert passed away at the age of 71. Donald described Robert as a “wonderful brother,” and those close to the family noted the heavy toll his passing took.

More recently, Maryanne Trump Barry, Donald’s older sister and a former federal judge, passed away in 2023. Before her death, family members observed signs of memory loss, including a heartbreaking moment when she failed to recognize a relative she had known for decades. Though no formal diagnosis of dementia was ever disclosed, her decline mirrored troubling patterns seen in other Trump relatives.

John Walter, a cousin of Donald, was also reported to have experienced dementia, though fewer public details about his condition were available. These patterns of cognitive health struggles cast a long shadow over the Trump family history.

Ivanka Trump, Donald’s daughter, has also shared her own health struggles. In 2017, she bravely spoke about experiencing postpartum depression after the birth of each of her three children. Her candid disclosure helped highlight the seriousness of postpartum mental health challenges, encouraging greater public awareness and empathy for those affected.

In 2020, Donald’s youngest son, Barron Trump, was diagnosed with COVID-19 at age 14. Fortunately, Barron remained asymptomatic and recovered quickly, a fact that Melania Trump described as a “great relief.”

Amid these family health battles, Donald Trump’s own physical well-being has been a topic of much scrutiny. In 2025, after his latest physical examination at Walter Reed Medical Center, Donald’s doctors reported excellent cognitive and physical health. His cardiovascular, respiratory, and neurological systems were all deemed to be functioning normally, with lab results and scans showing no significant concerns. The president was described as “fit for duty” with no signs of the conditions that afflicted several of his relatives.

Despite a family history marked by serious health issues, Donald Trump’s recent health assessments suggest that, for now, he stands apart. Still, the broader Trump family story remains a reminder that even in the most public families, health battles often unfold quietly—and with deep personal impact.