Maryanne Trump Barry was the older sister of Donald Trump. She was born in 1937 in Queens, New York, in a family that would later become known for its real estate holdings and political power. While she is commonly referred to as a member of the Trump family, Maryanne forged her own way in the world with a focus on a strong professional career in law. Let’s take a closer examination of her life and accomplishments.
Quick Facts About Maryanne Trump
| Full Name | Maryanne Trump Barry |
| Birthdate | 5 April 1937, Queens, New York City |
| Occupation | Federal Judge (Retired), Lawyer |
| Husband/Wife | John J. Barry (m. 1982–2000) |
| Education | Mount Holyoke College (Cum Laude), Columbia University, Hofstra University Law |
| Died
Age at death |
13 November 2023
86 years |
| Parents | Fred Trump Sr. (Father) and Mary Anne MacLeod Trump (Mother) |
| Siblings | Elizabeth Trump Grau, Robert Trump, Donald Trump, Fred Trump, Jr. |
| Children | Son: David Desmond (Psychologist) |
| Net Worth | Estimated at $10 million |
Early Life and Education
Maryanne was the oldest of five. Her parents, Mary Anne MacLeod and Fred Trump, brought their children up in Queens. Fred Trump was a real estate developer, and Mary Anne was a housewife who had immigrated to the U.S. from Scotland.
Maryanne was an intelligent and persistent student. She graduated cum laude with a degree from Mount Holyoke College in 1958. Following college, she pursued a master’s degree at Columbia University in the field of public law and government. Subsequently, she obtained her law degree from Hofstra University School of Law.
A Successful Legal Career
Maryanne Trump Barry spent her whole career dealing with law and justice. She began as an Assistant U.S. Attorney in New Jersey in 1974. Back then, she was the only two females among 62 lawyers, which set her apart.
Her career skyrocketed. In 1983, President Ronald Reagan named her a federal judge. She performed so well as a federal judge that in 1999 President Bill Clinton nominated her for a judgeship on the Third Circuit Court of Appeals. Maryanne was recognized as one of the brightest judges in her court. Her peers liked and respected her, and she gained a reputation as a tough but unyielding decision maker.
Retirement and Controversy
Maryanne Trump Barry retired in 2019 at the age of 82. She had served as a judge for more than 35 years. A few days before her retirement, a New York Times investigation revealed that she and other members of the Trump family were engaged in dubious tax schemes in the 1990s. The schemes were reported to enable the Trump family to accumulate wealth through inheritance.
Although the probe into these allegations did not lead to any criminal charges, it raised a lot of questions. Her retirement ended a long and successful legal career, but also a period of public scandal.
Her Relationship with Donald Trump
Maryanne’s association with her little brother, Donald Trump, varied greatly throughout the years. During childhood, Maryanne was the idol of Donald. He always spoke about Maryanne’s successes and even came to her for advice on the law.
The relationship between Maryanne and Donald grew more stressful as Donald began his political ascendancy. As Donald campaigned to be president in 2016, and subsequent to that time during his tenure as president, Maryanne’s views regarding Donald began to alter. In private exchanges, later publicly released through recordings by their niece, Mary L. Trump, Maryanne belittled Donald. She called him “phony” and “cruel,” particularly with regard to his immigration policies. These revelations were a shock to many, as Maryanne had said little about her opinions throughout most of her life.
Maryanne Trump Barry died in November 2023 aged 86. She peacefully died in her Manhattan apartment. No traces of foul play or trauma were found. Her death marked a milestone moment for the Trump family since it was the demise of the eldest sibling. Through her death, Elizabeth Trump Grau became the only surviving sister of Donald.
READ ALSO: Donald Trump Net worth, Age, Wife, Family, Facts & More
Maryanne’s Legacy
Maryanne Trump Barry’s legacy is remembered for breaking the trail as a woman in a man-dominated profession. She was very respected as a judge, respected both for her intelligence and fairness. Her career paved the way for other women to enter the field. Though her association with her brother Donald was messy, there was no denying her own achievements apart from the Trump family made her a prominent entity in her own right.
While controversies plagued her later life, Maryanne’s contributions to the legal sphere and the history of her family’s legacy will be remembered.
