After former President Donald Trump left the White House in January, his supporters were relieved to see his kids, who were constantly in the public eye during his time in office, finally get some peace and privacy. However, it seems there are some who just can’t help mocking and criticizing the Trump family, no matter what age. On March 20, former President Trump’s youngest son Barron turned 18 years old. But instead of well wishes and congratulations, Barron was met with a disturbing statement from a former NBC executive.
Mike Sington, who worked for the network for over 25 years, took to Twitter on Barron’s birthday to say “Barron Trump turns 18 today. He’s fair game now.” This statement raised many questions as to what exactly Sington meant by “fair game.” He included a photo of Barron alongside his father in the tweet, insinuating that now that Barron is legally an adult, it is permissible to attack him and criticize him.
Sington’s tweet quickly received backlash, with many people deeming his words as unsettling and inappropriate. Former advisor to the Trump administration, Michael Caputo, criticized Sington’s statement, calling him out for “bringing someone’s kids into the mix.” He also reminded Sington that Barron, unlike his siblings, has stayed out of political controversies and has not entered the public arena as an adult.
I address the Barron Trump “fair game” post. https://t.co/kYeOCau5di
— Mike Sington (@MikeSington) March 20, 2024
Other commentators like Javon A. Price, a former aide to GOP Representative Byron Donalds, also spoke out against Sington’s tweet, saying “You sound like a creep dude.” It is clear that Sington’s words struck a nerve with many, and it didn’t take long for him to delete the tweet and apologize.
In his apology, Sington claimed that he meant “fair game” in terms of criticism from the press, not physical harm. However, his initial statement clearly stated that Barron is now “fair game” at the age of 18, without specifying any particular area or aspect of his life. His words invited interpretation from the public, and many saw it as a green light to attack and harm Barron in any way possible.
Those who know Sington defended him, saying that he has a track record of working for human rights and social justice. However, in this instance, he has clearly missed the mark and crossed a dangerous line by calling for open season on a young individual without any reason to do so.
There is no denying that growing up as the child of a controversial president, or being the offspring of a polarizing presidential candidate, like Barron Trump, can be a tough experience. His parents may have garnered media attention and public scrutiny, but Barron is just a teenager trying to live a normal life. It is unfair and unreasonable to drag him into the political arena or to use him as a punching bag for those who still have a grudge against his father.
In the past, similar comments have been made about the daughters of former president George W. Bush, who also faced negative media attention despite doing nothing wrong. Even former President Barack Obama’s daughters, Malia and Sasha, have had to live with the burden of their father’s last name and the polarizing effects it has had on our country.
As Barron Trump turns 18 and prepares to embark on his own journey, it is time for the media to leave him alone and allow him to lead a normal life. Politicizing and attacking an individual who has not entered the public arena is not only unfair but also cruel. Let’s give Barron the privacy and respect he deserves as he navigates adulthood and finds his own path.
