The family of Army private Vanessa Guillén is fiercely rejecting claims made in a recent article by The Atlantic that former President Donald Trump disparaged her and refused to pay for her funeral.

The article, written by Jeffrey Goldberg, has drawn sharp criticism and allegations of dishonesty from Guillén's family and their attorney regarding Trump's conduct in the wake of their loved one's death, as Fox News reports.

Vanessa Guillén was a 20-year-old soldier stationed at Fort Hood, Texas, who was tragically murdered in 2020. Her story brought national attention to troubling issues within the military, including those related to harassment and safety.

Recently, claims have emerged in an article by Goldberg that are being contested by Guillén's family.

The article alleges that former President Trump referred to Guillén using derogatory language during a private meeting and refused to cover her funeral expenses. These assertions have incited strong reactions from Guillén's family, who publicly appeared on Fox News to address the allegations.

Family Responds to Controversial Article

Mayra Guillén, Vanessa's sister, alongside family attorney Natalie Khawam, criticized Goldberg's article during an appearance on The Ingraham Angle. They described the publication as offensive and unfounded, arguing that it misrepresented their interactions with the former president.

According to Mayra, Goldberg had initially expressed interest in documenting the anniversary of Vanessa's murder, particularly focusing on the legislative changes sparked by her case. However, Mayra stated that she later felt deceived by the journalist as the article's focus shifted dramatically.

Both Guillén and Khawam decided to distance themselves from the article once they were made aware of the disparaging assertions. The Atlantic, however, defended its report, urging readers to examine the article and consider the credibility of the cited sources.

Trump Administration Officials Refute Claims

Goldberg stood by his reporting, maintaining that it was grounded in accounts and contemporaneous notes from individuals who attended the meeting in question. Yet, Trump’s former Chief of Staff Mark Meadows and Kash Patel, the then-acting Defense secretary chief of staff, repudiated the claims.

Meadows emphasized the inaccuracies of the article, asserting the former president’s respectful behavior towards the Guillén family. Trump was described as supportive, with Meadows and other officials denying any credible evidence of the alleged remarks.

Mayra Guillén echoed concerns about Goldberg's piece through social media platforms. She accused the journalist of exploiting her sister's death for political gains, commenting on the misrepresentation surrounding the significant changes motivated by Vanessa's legacy.

Family and Attorney Slam Reporting

In the televised interview, Mayra expressed profound hurt over the article's publication. She articulated how the family’s experience had been overshadowed by false allegations, which they found deeply troubling.

Attorney Natalie Khawam criticized the work as untruthful, accusing Goldberg of unethical journalism practices. She expressed her determination to publicly call out the inaccuracies, asserting her commitment to defend Vanessa's name and her family’s honor.

Goldberg defended his commitment to journalistic integrity, reaffirming the reliability of his sources. But with mounting denials from various witnesses allegedly present during the controversial meeting, doubts linger over the story's accuracy.

Controversy and Accusations Continue

Mayra reiterated her disapproval, stating that despite Goldman’s assurances, the content deviated significantly from its purported intent. She voiced her displeasure and decision not to be involved once she comprehended the article’s claims.

The allegation that Trump refused to finance Guillén’s funeral expenses was unequivocally denied by those present at relevant discussions. Mark Meadows categorically refuted the notion of any disparagement being directed towards Guillén by Trump.

Other former officials such as Ben Williamson also joined in disclaiming the allegations, stressing the positive and supportive nature of Trump’s interactions with the grieving family. Their testimonies aim to counterbalance the narrative suggested by Goldberg's piece.

Conclusion: Legacy and Disputed Claims

The Guillén family’s confrontation with The Atlantic centers around their desire to uphold their loved one's legacy and honor amid politically charged allegations. As they contest the article’s claims, the focus remains on the legislative and social changes sparked by Vanessa’s tragic story.

In summary, the Guillén family continues to deny the allegations made in Goldberg's article, insisting on the respect and support shown by Trump during a sensitive period, and challenging what they describe as falsehoods about their experience.