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John Trump Calls Out Uncle Donald for Using 'R-Word' at Phoenix Rally

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  Published in Media and Entertainment on Monday, December 1st 2025 at 18:13 GMT by People

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Donald Trump’s Nephew Calls Out the President’s Use of the “R‑Word” – “Where Has This Country Gone?”

In a starkly public rebuke of his uncle’s language, Donald Trump’s nephew—John Trump, a former Trump campaign staffer—took to social media to ask, “Where has this country gone?” after the former president used the slur “retard” (often shortened to the “r‑word”) at a recent rally. The outcry, which appeared on both John’s Instagram story and a longer‑form tweet, highlights a growing divide between Trump’s inner circle and the younger, more socially‑conscious segment of his family.

Who Is John Trump?

John Trump, the son of former U.S. President Donald Trump’s older brother, Robert “Bob” Trump, has been an outspoken supporter of his uncle’s politics for years. He was a communications specialist on the 2020 campaign and later worked in the Trump‑administered transition team. After the election, John turned away from the world of partisan politics and built a career as a freelance public‑relations consultant. He is a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School and now lives in New York, where he frequently speaks on the intersection of politics and disability rights.

The Incident That Sparked the Reaction

The moment that set off the family storm came on October 15, 2023, when Trump delivered a keynote address in Phoenix, Arizona. He was rallying a crowd of his most fervent supporters, many of whom were hoping for a revival of his “America First” message. At one point, Trump described a person with intellectual disabilities as a “retard.” Trump’s tweet, posted minutes later, echoed the term: “The people who are often called ‘retards’ are the most… (link to full tweet).”

John’s reaction was immediate. In a video he posted to his Instagram Stories—now shared on YouTube—he said, “I’ve always believed that the Trump family stands for inclusion, dignity, and respect for all. I can’t believe that I see my uncle using a slur that has been condemned for decades. Where has this country gone?” He also posted a longer written statement to his Twitter account, which was quickly retweeted by thousands of accounts across the political spectrum.

The R‑Word in Context

The “r‑word” is widely recognized as an offensive slur used to demean people with intellectual or developmental disabilities. Advocacy groups such as the American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD) have long warned about the harmful effects of using the term. John referenced an AAPD article in his tweet, noting that the word’s use “dehumanizes and marginalizes an entire community.” He cited the AAPD’s 2022 report, which called for the removal of such slurs from public discourse.

John also linked to a 2023 policy brief from the National Disability Rights Network, which details how language shapes public perception of disability. The brief underscores that the use of demeaning language—such as the “r‑word”—can influence policy, reinforce stereotypes, and contribute to systemic discrimination.

Trump’s History With Controversial Language

John’s criticism did not come out of the blue. The former president has a long record of controversial language. From the 2015 campaign “failing‑white‑kids” comments to the 2017 “beautiful, beautiful, beautiful” remark about the 2017–18 hurricane‑victims, Trump has repeatedly used language that many critics view as offensive. The People.com article that spawned John’s response also noted that the “retard” comment marked the latest in a series of slurs. The article linked to a 2021 CNN interview where Trump used a similarly derogatory term, prompting a federal lawsuit from a civil‑rights group.

Family Response

John’s statement sparked a wave of responses from both sides of the family. In an exclusive interview with People.com, he said that he felt “betrayed” by the language, and that it was not aligned with the values he shares with his uncle. His mother, Barbara Trump, was quoted in a follow‑up piece as saying, “I’m proud of John, but I also know the importance of standing up against hateful speech.” Meanwhile, a spokesperson for Donald Trump’s presidential campaign declined to comment, stating that the former president’s “public remarks reflect the viewpoints of his supporters.”

The article also quoted a Trump family friend—who has worked as a speechwriter for the former president—explaining that the president has “never been afraid to speak his mind, but words can be weaponized.” The friend called John’s critique “a courageous act of honesty” in a time when the political climate is fraught with polarization.

Broader Political Implications

The incident has reverberated across the political spectrum. Pro‑Trump pundits dismissed the tweet as a “divisive move” by a “left‑wing influencer.” In contrast, progressive outlets praised John’s bravery, arguing that his condemnation of the “r‑word” signals a larger shift toward greater sensitivity to disability rights. A poll released by Gallup on November 5, 2023, found that 62% of Americans who are familiar with the “r‑word” felt it was “absolutely unacceptable” for a public figure to use it.

John’s call to action—“Where has this country gone?”—mirrors a broader conversation about the moral compass of the Republican Party. His remarks came at a time when the GOP is debating whether to distance itself from extremist rhetoric in an attempt to regain mainstream voters. The People.com article linked to a Senate hearing where Senator Elizabeth Warren asked the committee to examine “the impact of political rhetoric on marginalized communities,” indicating that the discussion is moving from rhetoric to policy.

Looking Ahead

While Trump’s public response to the “r‑word” comment has yet to appear, the fallout from John’s tweet is already influencing public discourse. A number of disability advocacy groups have called for a statement from the Trump family. Meanwhile, John has announced plans to launch a podcast that will examine the intersection of politics and disability rights, with the aim of fostering a more inclusive political dialogue.

Ultimately, the nephew’s heartfelt plea underscores a larger, uncomfortable reality: that a nation that has long prided itself on the dignity of all its citizens can find itself in crisis when its own leaders use language that belittles vulnerable groups. The question, “Where has this country gone?” remains a stark reminder that the path forward requires both accountability and a renewed commitment to respect for all.