Michael Dell has stepped in to defend his wife after online trolls mocked her appearance during a White House visit.
Susan Dell, 62, stood alongside the Dell Technologies founder and CEO in the Oval Office on 7 October while President Donald Trump discussed the couple’s $6.25 billion contribution to help 25 million children build financial foundations. She wore a red dress for the appearance, which quickly drew cruel comments online where the clip was branded “one of the weirdest things” and “not real.”
The billionaire husband has since used his X account to amplify supporters pushing back against the attacks. He reposted one message that read: “My grandson got 250 dollars in his Trump account from Susan Dell. Please leave that woman alone.”
Michael also shared another post originally written in response to criticism of Susan, which stated: “It’s truly insane how evil and full of themselves people are. I signed my kids up and wasn’t expecting to get anything as we live in a wealthy county and city. Out of the blue $250 showed up from Dell for both of my boys. I will go out of my way to support them now, who else has done what they did? No one…”
Beyond reposting defenses of his wife, Michael has shared a series of letters, drawings and cards sent to the couple by children thanking them for their donation.
Eric Trump joined the pushback against what he called “vicious attacks” on Susan’s appearance. In a post on X, he wrote: “People are awful. Susan and Michael Dell just put $6.25 billion into Trump Accounts for 25 million kids so they’ll have something waiting for them when they grow up—one of, if not the largest private donation in American History.”
He continued: “The response? Vicious attacks on her. I’m tired of this nonsense. Very few people have done more for philanthropy. It’s disgusting and it has to stop.”
Eric Trump added: “Susan, on behalf of the overwhelming majority of people in this nation: Thank You!! You are incredible!”
During the Oval Office appearance, Susan Dell spoke about the impact of the couple’s contribution. She said: “Over the past month, as our contribution reached millions of children’s accounts, Michael and I have heard from so many parents and kids and grandparents with these beautiful letters that have truly moved us.”
She went on: “Children have told us that they want to become entrepreneurs… Nurses, doctors, engineers. They want to build their own companies some day.”
Susan Dell also noted: “We’ve heard from parents and grandparents who share what it means to them. To know that there is an investment in their child’s future. These things are so wonderful and so important. It’s not just the money that matters… Knowing someone believes in you and your future that matters just as much.”
The philanthropic donation had been intended to help children establish early financial footing, though online commentary quickly shifted focus to Susan Dell’s physical appearance rather than the couple’s giving.