Mike Sington responds after backlash on Baron Trump 'fair game' comments

Former NBC senior executive Mike Sington has been under severe criticism after he called Baron Trump, the only son of ex-president Donald Trump and Melania Trump together, “fair game”.

The teenager turned 18 on Wednesday and has preferred to stay out of the spotlight compared to other children of the businessman-cum-politician. The press’ focus has been more on the other children.

Sington, in a post on Wednesday, said: “Barron Trump turns 18 today. He's fair game now." But he later took it down after severe criticism.

Talking to Newsweek via X direct message on Wednesday, he said: "I posted he was 'fair game' now, meaning, as an adult, he's 'fair game' for criticism from the press.”

"Someone pointed out to me 'fair game' could mean fair game to be harmed. I don't wish physical harm on anyone, so I took it down. I listen to the comments and criticism I receive."

Republicans did not respond well to the ex-NBC senior executive’s comments. Some even called it "creepy."

Garrett Ventry, former senior communications adviser to the Senate Judiciary Committee Republicans, said: “This is super creepy.”

Trump, who faces several serious legal challenges, is Republican’s presidential candidate for the 2024 elections and will go up against Joe Biden, who is lagging behind in polls.