The Atlantic criticized for claiming Trump made offensive remark about Vanessa Guillén’s funeral

The family of slain soldier Vanessa Guillén has come forward to defend former President Donald Trump, following allegations published by The Atlantic that Trump made offensive remarks about the cost of Guillén's funeral. 

Trump is accused of saying, "It doesn't cost $60,000 to bury a f***ing Mexican," after being informed of the funeral expenses following Guillén's 2020 murder.

Maya Guillén, Vanessa’s sister, refuted the claims, expressing gratitude for Trump's support. "I am beyond grateful for all the support President Donald Trump showed our family during a trying time," Maya said. "I witnessed firsthand how President Trump honors our nation's heroes' service." She continued, "We are grateful for everything he has done and continues to do to support our troops."

Trump's spokesman, Alex Pfeiffer, also denied the accusations, calling them “an outrageous lie from The Atlantic two weeks before the election.” He further stated, "Donald Trump did not say f***ing Mexican."

Kash Patel, a spokesman for the then-acting Secretary of Defense, also defended Trump, emphasizing his commitment to ensuring Guillén's family did not have to bear the funeral costs. Patel confirmed Trump even offered to personally pay for the arrangements, saying, “Trump strongly urged that Spc. Vanessa Guillén's grieving family should not have to bear the cost of any funeral arrangements.”

Vanessa Guillén, 20, was murdered near Fort Hood in 2020 by fellow soldier Aaron Robinson, who bludgeoned her to death before dismembering her body. Guillén’s remains were discovered two months later, buried near the Leon River in Texas. Robinson committed suicide after escaping custody.

The allegations against Trump are part of a broader story by The Atlantic, which claims multiple people present during a meeting with Guillén’s family overheard the former president’s comments. The article also alleges that Trump never sent the family money for the funeral, despite publicly offering to cover the costs.

Maya Guillén's statements, along with denials from Trump’s former Chief of Staff Mark Meadows and other officials, continue to counter the accusations as the controversy unfolds.