The Choice 2020: Mary Trump (interview) | FRONTLINE

Mary Trump is the niece of Donald Trump and the author of Too Much and Never Enough: How My Family Created the World's Most Dangerous Man.

The following interview was conducted by FRONTLINE’s Gabrielle Schonder on July 30, 2020 during our reporting for the “The Choice 2020: Trump vs. Biden” — FRONTLINE’s critically acclaimed election series featuring the interwoven, investigative biographies of both presidential candidates. It has been edited for clarity and length.



Learn more about how these interviews were filmed during the pandemic:

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Funding for FRONTLINE is provided through the support of PBS viewers and by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. Major funding for FRONTLINE is provided by the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation and the Ford Foundation. Additional funding is provided by the Abrams Foundation, the Park Foundation, and the FRONTLINE Journalism Fund with major support from Jon and Jo Ann Hagler on behalf of the Jon L. Hagler Foundation.

[catherinekittykat]

I ALWAYS love listening to Mary. She says so many things I think and see. And I also have felt the same way about TOXIC POSITIVITY, said so perfectly by Mary.

[AmziAsher]

Mary is a well rounded, educated professional doctor. She has nothing to hide. Thank you Dr. for shedding important and much needed light on this situation. You were not malicious in your writings. I made huge strides in understanding the illness one might have in a non speculative way.

[TheStnerPrincess]

Mary's book is absolutely amazing. Finished in one day and I cannot describe how much detail was used to describe such a horrific family.

[spoda]

I could listen to Mary all day she has such a calming voice articulate, well spoken thank you Mary for your courage.

[HollowayIP]

She's in full possession of all the answers to questions the whole world has right now. We need this woman right now.

[catherinegaehwiler]

She is very insightful and I appreciate her honesty. I think she is generous to share her family dynamic so we can understand Donald’s bizarreness. She’s helping us get a fuller picture of what we are dealing with.

[teresalegler]

So admire Mary Trump’s perspective on her family history. Great conversation. Thanks for this interview.

[shannon]

If ever there was a “perfect” recipe for making a chronically depressed person who is left with no other outlet other than to self-medicate with alcohol or anything else, Fred’s story and the story of his siblings is that. Mary is so brave and her resilience is inspiring, along with her ability to take something so very personal and painful and be able to see it from an objective case study shows incredible strength. She shows us the importance and what it takes to break cycles that are toxic or negative in our own families; sit down, deal with the emotions to where you can separate yourself from them and do what you can to understand each side without thrusting blame on those involved and removing responsibility from same. Way to go Mary! Loved the book!

[smeyer]

Mary is a real person. She's not phony, or a liar. I read her book, as soon as it came out, and I could relate to her, as a person. Really enjoyed the book, hope she writes another one.

[alicat]

Now THIS is an example of a strong woman in 2020. Mary Trump strikes me as an honest, kind, and humble lady.

[celticman]

As long ago as the 1980's I recall Trump expressing a desire to be President. Because Trump is a severe narcissist, and the Presidency is the epitome of masculine executive achievement in our society, Trump always felt he should have it.

[zefft.f]

The "toxic positivity" of Fred Trump is a good metaphor for the "toxic exceptionalism" of the modern American national consciousness. I guess that's why Donald Trump appeals to so many.

[lumirosa]

i appreciate the composure she exhibits while discussing her own father’s life which is clearly something that troubles her. u can almost feel the pain conveyed on her face. she is so brave.

[anovemberstar]

i reckon she became a psychologist to make sense of the utter madness present in her extended family ....

[RoyAH.]

Frontline: Always some of the best journalism. Thank you.

[calicocritterscrafts]

I was raised by a narcissist and abused. I have compassion and empathy. There isn’t an excuse for the way Trump behaves. It’s a choice he made and continues to make

[tatianadentremont-selesky]

If you understand the unique dynamics of narcissistic families with predatory tendencies this makes perfect sense, otherwise, this is outside of the possible and real.

[sjenner]

I think it important to note that Mary Trump’s perspectives and fears aren’t stated as being ideological or political. They are stated personally, based on her personal experience and professional experience dealing with people like President Trump. I would also note that so much of what she says mirrors what other people who personally knew President Trump have related, even old friends and allies who suddenly found themselves on the wrong end of this or that perception, and had concerted efforts by the President to ruin them. Speaks for itself.

[gingernightmare]

Thank you. Mary is it so hard to suffer in the immediate family. I can appreciate your sacrifice to break the silence.

[diannediamond]

I hope she gets the millions she was cheated out of as a teen. I so appreciate the very important book she wrote to understand the despicable man in the white house and his despicable children.