Madonna

There are over 800 children in Colorado alone who are waiting for a family. I am blessed with four wonderful boys and soon a fifth child who have all come from Human Services. Let's take care of the needs here in the United States first. All children deserve a loving home especially American children.

Donald, if Madonna or whoever artists adopted children from poverty country, I think worth to them. Not only to help the country and this is not intervention, but it helps for their performance coverage! The funny is if someone from develop country and move to United States, and he made many SCAMP business in United States

Like the old saying goes:"To each his own". Though it is true that there are many kids crying out for adpotion in the US, it is left up to individuals to choose. If your heart is in Cambodia, so be it, if it is Romania or Africa, hearts off. Adopting, like choosing a mate is a very private and personal decision. We can only hope that in the end all the parties involved are happy. Kudos to all the surrogate parents out there.

Well known that world is too small and that never known wich firstsights as¨coincidence¨¨ can touch your heart deeply and that make you act and make a difference in a person¨¨s life..I remember Andreas a 9years old boy I¨ve meet traveling weekly

As far as red tape it takes a lot longer to adopt in the US than from other countries to the US. A lot of it has to do with the very regulated market for US adoption, which for intance requires in home inspections, the costs of which are borne

I have often thought about adopting now that my only child is grown and even though I have two grandchildren. I miss babies a lot. I have even thought about being a foster mom for babies, but I have to work for a living and cannot devote the time to them that I would like and that I think they need. If I were rich, I would jump at the opportunity.

I strongly agree with Mr. Trump in that we should first embrace children in our own country. I think many famous or financially successful people believe their own personal success also extends to expertise in anything else they want to do. Adoption itself is not as simple as picking up a stray dog. An adopted child goes through waves of personal identity crisis simply from the already given circumstance that they are separated from biological parents and relatives. On top of that, there's an enormous difference in culture between any two given countries. Is it right for a celeb or anyone else to drop in and remove a ba

I have always been an advocate of adoption, but I agree, that while we do have a lot of children that need adoption here, many are being overlooked in exchange for third world countries.

As children grow up through the system, they realize that they are not wanted because they are not babies, but now, they are going to feel like they are not wanted because they are American.

I wonder what kind of message we are sending to the children, who will one day grow up and possibly feel resentment.

I have always wanted to adopt a child, while my parents wholeheartly disagree.

I feel that there is a lot of children who are not going to get to be part of a family, why bring another child into this world?

One day, when I am so rich and so famous, I am going to start a trend: Adopting American children....what a concept!

I agree Donald, I live in England and within a 5 mile radius of the london home of Madonna there are lots of children she could of helped. Much the same for the USA to.

When are you going to adopt a child? You are a great father and have plenty of resources to help a child become the person that God intended her to become. There is so much inequality in the world- there are 30,000 children who die every day of preventable causes- simply because they do not have the resources for such simple things- food, clothing, shelter, clean water, mesquito netting, immunizations. So many children die for want of a dollar to live just one more day. When I made less money than I needed to pay for rent, food, electricity, day care, and telephone without working extra hours outside of my full-time job- I became aware of the fact that for the cost of the few luxuries I allowed myself, a child could live- and sponsored a child. Then my 8 year old son found out and wanted to sponsor a child himself. I told him that the only luxury left was his birthday parties. He told me that he couldn't enjoy his party knowing that it might cost a child his life. I'm so proud of him. But I believe that every person with a full-time income, housing, and a car in this country needs to do whatever they can to help children in third world countries. Think that sponsorship is the best idea because it keeps the communities intact. But Madonna's child was facing certain death in his village and an uncertain future in his country. Why begrudge him the one chance that he has to become the person that God intended him to be? Why begrudge any person of that right. You don't need to publically parade your charity out in front of the world- that's true- but if you are the kind of person that influences other people- I think that it is important that you set a good example. It takes a village to raise a child- and our village today is the planet Earth. Don't berate someone else for helping- tell us to help- and set a good example

At least she's choosing it and not haphazardly getting pregnant and then sending it off to boarding school at the age of 2, like some people I know.

Mr. Trump, with all due respect, please don't look down on foreign adoptions. My son was adopted from Russia. We chose Russia for a variety of reasons, not the least of which was that there is enough red tape involved to ensure that there was no chance of 'choosing' or 'bribing' our way into getting a child. I never wanted anyone to be able to question that. Why not adopt locally? We were on a waiting list for 5 years without so much as a phone call. Adopting locally is a fine ideal, but not always as easy as it seems. And furthermore, so much contraversy has been reported over birth relatives trying to reclaim a child that it sometimes feels like a huge leap of faith that your child will be yours forever.

The second reason we went overseas is because no matter how bad a child has it in North America, there are systems in place that will ensure that they will have a minimum standard of living when they exit the system. In other places, the life expectancy of a child that exits the orphanage system is 25-30 years old. In many cases, they just don't have the resources required to see these children have a good start in life. So choosing a child from overseas can, in many cases, be saving a life, literally.

Finally, when I adopted, we had a year of process and paperwork to work through. We didn't tell anyone except our families that we intended to adopt, because we didn't want to face pity if things didn't work out. With a star or superstar, how much more important would that privacy be? Just because it seems like they've adopted on a whim doesn't mean they weren't following all procedures for a year or two before the adoption was announced. Did the country fast track the adoption? Perhaps a file is put on the top instead of the bottom and a court date is moved up to accomodate the applicant, but that doesn't mean they didn't follow procedure. As you know, life for those that have money is sometimes made a little easier through these types of accomodations. We 'regular folk' have accepted it everywhere else, so what's different here?

As for choosing a child as a handbag, I beg to differ strongly. First, everyone has to decide what's right for their own families. Choosing a country to adopt from is part of that. Choosing a boy or girl is also part of that. Sometimes a prospective parent meets a chid and there's no connection. The parent asks for another referral. This goes on all the time in the adoption world and it's vital that parents be comfortable with the children that come into their homes or there will be no bonding. At most, it takes no more than a few referrals for a parent to 'find' their child and often it's the first child they see. Why would you deny a celebrity the same ability to choose as anyone else has? Furthermore, in some countries, that's exactly how things are done, you are sent to an orphanage, shown a room a children and asked to pick. Other countries show you one child at a time, which you have to reject before being shown another child. Both are normal procedures.

Now what about the bonding factor? Yes, if you have your own child, you get what you get. But you don't get a child that's spent the first 6 months or year or two or more in an institution. Unlike when you give birth, a child from an orphanage wasn't breast fed, didn't had the same person to comfort them when they cried and might not have had any comfort at all. If a child was taken away from their mother, there are separation issues to deal with, as well. These are all very different scenarios from those that give birth.

Okay, I don't want to scare anyone that's thinking of adopting overseas or domestically. Adoption is rewarding. In almost all cases, things go well and you bring home a child that will be a blessing to your family. Yes, there are challenges. Well what child isn't challenging? Parenthood is the hardest job in the world, but it's also the most rewarding

I couldn't agree more. We have allot of children here who need love and support.

I have a lot of respect for Ewan McGregor, Meg Ryan and Angelina Jolie, who all at least followed the adoption laws and rules when they adopted their children and had to wait a long time - contrary to Madonna.

As for mr Trump commenting on this topic: why did you chose to have a child of your own at your (old) age, allready having several children of your own? You could have chosen to adopt a child within the states or from abroad as wel. But you didn't. At least the above mentioned celebs opened their hearts and homes to children who needed it the most, children whos parents have died or were abandoned at birth and whos birthcountries are a lot, lot poorer than the US (the US doesnt have to have any kids up for adoption or fostercare if the government (!!) would just spend enough money on social issues).

Excellent article. Adoption is a serious matter. When you bring a child into your home that is not of your union you must take into consideration spiritual matters. Not religious, spiritual. How many orphanages are here in the U.S.? We have great children here. Great children... Let's start.

AMEN. I have family that waited for over 2 years and spent $20,000. Home study, family and friends interviewed, finacial statements reviewed. Seems to me that a celeb just picks one that looks good and it's theirs for the nanny to raise.

One more thing Trump, are there any state run orphanages here in the United States? Not religious based but state run? I was checking online and so far haven't found any. Why? Another qyestion?? Do you believe children are better off adopted or in a good, proper orphanage setting with loving caretakers (male and female)and other children with similar back grounds? Another question??? When you have an adopted child should you constantly refer to them as your adopted child? Setting them apart. Especially when you have other natural children? Once you adopt them aren't they yours? What would make the difference and is it right? Doesn't it seem to seperate your natural child/children from your adopted child/children? Is that right? Is there favoritism there? What does that do to an adopted child? Don't they notice? I'd say they do. It's like when you marry someone and they have children from a previous marriage. Why are they referred to constantly as step-children? Aren't they simply your children? All of them. No matter how many? Then, when you have others doesn't it seem to cause a seperation possibly conflict within the family? So what would be the differnce then concerning natural children and adoptive children? You're causing a seperation/conflict

we adopted a little boy from russia in 2001. this was after we tried to adopt here in the usa. we were told we were to old. we were in our early 40's. so we went to russia and now have a beautiful little boy. maybe we need to look at our process of adopting.

..."maybe we should start here." We? Who is we? Have you adopted? If not, perhaps you should educate yourself -- perhaps a course at "Trump University" - before commenting on Madonna's choice of how and where to adopt.

a child is a child is a child....my child was waiting for me in another country and I know it was the right thing for my family. As for celebrities, they are just like any other human being. Many travel to these other countries and see firsthand
what obstacles children in third world countries are up against. It is no wonder that they choose to adopt
internationally. I think it is easy to criticize anything if you do not know the whole story. I think instead of criticizing these
celebrities, we should find out their story. It would educate
the public and put adoption in a positive light, give it the attention it deserves, and maybe inspire someone else to discover the joy and rewards adoption can bring. I know it is possible, as the idea for our family to adopt came from
reading a newspaper article one day about another family adopting. Thank you, Mr. Trump for instigating such a discussion!

With all due respect, Mr Trump, I disagree w/ you. Have you tried to adopt a child from the United States? Its not easy nor is it inexpensive either. Should children in the US be valued more highly than other children? Aren't all children deserving of a loving home no matter what their origins? The US is not overflowing w/ children to adopt, despite what some might have you think. We adopted our son as an infant from Russia. We are not wealthy people but we felt going to Russia was our best chance to become parents. I might ask you a similar question. Should Americans marry other native born Americans rather than citizens of other countries?

I read all the comments and can sense the futility of some in being able to get a child in the US. But, the real truth is that the vast majority of "adopters" are more interested in white babies, preferably blond and preferably male. So, if that is your category, then it will take you 5 to 6 years on the waiting list. However, there are plenty of children in the 5 to 12 age group that are adoptable and need homes, right here in the US.

No media coverage is a bad thing! Adopting a child is not a public event,unless you want to improve your image and justify your self-importance. I pray that these kids are not token of public relations and are given the kind of parenting that is they deserved.

I do not know why celbeties have decided to adopt out the the country. MAny have adopted within the United States and have an easy time doing so. As Rosie O'Donnel said she could afford to have a number of lawyers on retainer to ensure she was able to adopt a child of her choosing (paraphrased). The average US citizen does not, myself included. My husband and I looked into adoption in the US. We were informed only one out of three evers goes through. We could take a child inot our homes and if a birth parent changed their mind before the adoption became final that was it. We lost a child we had grown to love. Also any child from my state was unavailabel because I worked with pregnant mothers. So we decded to adopt out side the US. Contrary to popular belief it was not any cheaper than adopting a child within the United States. We lived thorugh an adoption stoppage in the country we chose. A two trip scenario rather than 1. In all we truly have the child who was meant to be ours. He is the best thing that ever happened to us in our life. If God wills it we will adopt again. If not I will thank him for the joy he has brought to our life.

I read all the press of Madonna's adoption with interest because I have two children adopted internationally as well. Although I agree it seems a bit unfair to be able to circumvent laws and red tape the bottom line is a child's life was saved and hopefully people worldwide are more aware of the horrifying conditions these children are surviving in. I don't fault Madonna for choosing a "foreign" child because I have seen first hand these children die from lack of food and basic medical care. Thankfully in the US we have a basic standard of care for children who do not have parents to take care of them. I know my two girls would not have survived beyond their second year in their country of birth because of their severe birth defects and the stigma that went along with them.

Maybe we should all put some weight behind our words and do something tangible to help these kids whether US born or foreign born.

The really nice thing about it all is that these children will grow up quite wealthy and I'm sure with much gratitude and their privileged educations they can help the plight of their countries.

Perhaps there will be more peace on the planet one day when there is a shift in the priorities of the "United Nations."

Mr. Trump,
Family matters whether you are poor or rich and famous, and I suspect that you recognize that. You seem to adore your children, but would you trade them in for a different model as you do a car? No. People adopt child to fulfill a need not acquire a possession. Children are forever, and in your case I suppose there is a need to remind you, not like wives. Many of us who have completed international adoptions do so as single parents who would never be selected in the US to be the parents of a healthy infant, have a closed adoption, or complete an adoption within 12 to 24 months. If domestic adoptions were possible for many of us they would have been an alternative selected rather than something only available for the very wealthy or traditional family with very long lead times. If you would like to do something constructive, help us work on domestic adoption reform so that all those children here have a chance for better futures.

With an adoption of any kind, the bottom line is finding the right fit for your family. This requires answering intensely personal questions. Is my family capable of parenting an older child with possible emotional issues, or would a ba

Very well said. Beautifully and exactly my thoughts as well. Kudos

I just keep thinking about Bono and what he said in his news interview. He related about aman who came up to him and pleaded for him to take his son with him because if he stayed in Africa he would surley die. I believe that celebrities getting exposed to kind of emotional gestures can't help but want to help and maybe this is one way that they can. At least that is what I want to believe. I don't know what these people really think and all I can do is try to keep positive thoughts in my head.

It seems this is a subject that is very sensitive! Those who believe some other writers are against adoption, write fiercely against them, and others defend their point of views. It seems we are forgetting the point in here!

A wise man once said:"give them a fish, and you feed a family, teach them fishing, and you feed the whole village!" My point is, that we have children in need in all countries around the world! Is it more right to adopt a child from his/her original cultural environment then support building orphanages that work properly with decent financing and support? Doing the latter we would help the local people much more then adopting one child with an expense that would feed and protect 50 child for a year!

There are many organisations trying to help children in their own environments, and one adoption fee would support their work really much!

So please if you want to satisfy your conscience with your way of thinking, do not try to hide the fact, that it is the selfish needs of us "better doing" people in play when we adopt children from less developed countries. It does not help the children of those countries as it should -but it do help the need of those who adopt to fulfill their own needs to be parents! Some people do fill that need with pets, some with adopted children - we just have it built in in us that we have to be able to nurture and grow up something that needs our support.

I am not saying adoption as such is wrong - vice versa! But like Mr. Trump asked, is it right for less well doing nations that we go and take some of their children to live with us and forget the rest? Ewan McGregor visited an orphanage in Mongolia, and as a result he adopted a child from there - but he has done much more to help all children in need, especially in Mongolia. Can we all say the same? Or have we just adopted one and forgot the rest few million?

Mr Trump, I fully understand your posistion and sympathise with it. However as an adopted child myself I am eternaly grateful that a family decided to take me in and give me a fantastic education. Without such people I am sure that my life would have turned out very differently indeed.

I think it's most interesting that Mr. Trump and many of the other people who write these short blogs, never bother to come back and follow up on the comments posted. I have read most of these blogs and cannot recall one instance where they bothered to respond to anything said. Is that typical of the response of this "University"?

There are some older people that would like to be adopted & breast feed also. What about us???

I agree totally with Donald. There are so many unwanted children in the USA that anyone wanting to adopt a child could find a child more "locally." If someone did want a Black or Hispanic ba

i agree 100%, there are plenty of poor children in this country who need a home.
start here.

Spot on, Mr Trump. There are many children in America and even here in Britain who need to be adopted. Still, it's a good thing that bigwigs like Madonna going child-shopping in Africa is drawing First World attention to the plight of some nations.

And it's nice of you to highlight this issue in this blog. To see so many people in the comments come out and speak, especially the people who've adopted children themselves,warms my normally cold and cynical heart.

P.S. your new book with Rob Kiyosaki just arrived in the UK. I'm greedily stroking its glossy cover now.

You are right on target with this one.
I also wonder why the celebrities give
all their money to foreign countries.
What about the poor kids in this country
that were born unlucky, but could help
America in the future. Lets give our
own children a chance.
Have a great day:)

Mr.Trump, your a great man.I think what's more important here is that a child has been given the opportunity better than his current situation.I think the essence of humanity and life is when one can make another life better,and Madonna has done that.We should applaud them.You have the opportunity as well,Mr.Trump to give others that.Perhaps you can start in America?

I agree with you Mr.Trump.We should start fixing our problems on the home front first! Our country use to be a leader in family,industry and all the other things that keep a country strong!!!Now we tolerate high costs and mis-management of foreign trade that ultimately hurts the bottom line of personal & corporate assets.We should all start with whats going on at home first(probably with our own natural children first!)

It would be great if Mr. Trump you would start writing more about real estate investing and alike than the vagaries of Madonna, Britney and Botox. This IS suppose to be a finnacial education site (which you reapdily say there isn't enough of in this country), not a Hollywood Gossip site. It's nice that you have opinions on other things than than money but that's not what I expect from this site or you. No more than I would expect Madonna dishing out real estate tips on her website. How about some REAL concrete strategies on real estate investing, markets to invest in, development, etc.

I agree 1000%. Charity begins at home. There are plenty of hungry and disavantaged children in the U.S. that need good homes. Why not start here before we worry about the problems of other countries? That's why we're in this mess called Iraq and previously, Vietnam. Too many Americans are so arrogant, we don't know how to mind our own business before we start meddling in the affairs of others. Two of our great presidents, Wilson and FDR wanted the U.S. to remain neutral. The only business we have on foreign soil right now is going after that S.O.B. Bin Laden. After all, he did launch an attack on American soil. We should be going after him and his other terrorist fanatics with the same fervor we went after the Japanese when they attacked Pearl Harbor. These fanatics have the same mentality, they will never give up unless we stop them. We need to get them before they get us. Helping our own children to be successful will make the U.S. stronger in the face of the challenges we face today. Then we can and should reach out to help others.

I agree with Donald. The fact of the matter is that our jails are filled with adults who were once tossed through the foster care system. There are plenty of children to adopt in the US and I hope to adopt children once I'm married.

I agree , what she has done, is a great act, and if there were more people to demonstrate more acts like she has, the world would be better place.
I think what she has done is good , even if she does not adopt an American Born kid.

The main problem of this whole world is the WAR. There is a lot of money exchanging hands, and it seems as if people are disposable and people are killed for nothing. The foundation and crux of the WAR supports ideas that are not correct. People are not very well informed and do not hold the correct position .. Best Regards Haik

Dear Mr. Trump, I don't buy magazines over-the-counter at the grocery stores because I don't care what celebrities are doing with their lives. I don't care if they're happy, sad, married, divorced, having their own child, or adopting one. I invest in Trump University because you interest me. Please remember my interest is what I can learn from you, not what goes on in the boring, never-ending, constant exploitation of celebrities. It seems they're always 'in my face'. I don't want your articles to be yet another extension of that. When you educate I feel you care - about me. So, I care about you in return.

Mr. Trump:
With all due respect, I do not think this is a real issue. The main thing is that these children are going to be given a chance to thrive and hopefully enjoy a nice life. I commend Angelina (I know you don't care for her), but it is her life and if she wants to adopt children, then so be it. I agree there are children in the U.S. that need adoptive parents, but notice the word is not singular. There are many single, successful people who would love to adopt a child in the United States, but being single is not acceptable.
As far as the child Madonna is going to adopt, he was not even living with his father or family when she went to adopt him. So instead of him being left in a home that was not his own, she took it upon herself to allow him to have a better life.
I really don't think it matters where a child is adopted from. The main thing is to ensure the parent or parents really want the child, provide for the child and love the child.

Mr.Trump I have five children. I have raised them 14yrs,

Do you think the attraction for the celebrity is that the child more than likely doesn't know who they are.

Very few of them have food let alone tv or the internet. I think the portrayal from the media comes across in a negative context. I imagine their personal research would have started months earlier.

Quite frankly I am amazed about the negative publicity and negative reactions to international adoption. All children are equal in the eyes of God, so an American child is no more important in the greater scheme of things than any other child. If Americans have this mind set then they should not send foreign aid to other countries before they have sorted out the poverty in their own, so why point fingers at a few individuals who have compassion for a child whose future looks very bleak. As an African, I know that orphans in third world countries are beyond destitute. In South Africa, we hardly get any government support for orphans. The community has had to rally to support these children. A question I have for entrepreneurs who point fingers at people who adopt internationally - you invest internationally - surely it would create more jobs and more wealth in your own country if you didn't? I am glad you invest internationally - it's about the big picture. Isn't that what adoption is about. I have a passion for Ethiopia, Nigeria, etc. Let me make a small difference there. On a final note to this long message - Africans are also not that keen on "our babies" being taken away and losing their culture. (Recent poll in You magazine SA - 54% voted against international adoption). This also really gets up my nose because there are too many of them lying unstimulated without personal attention in the orphanages to learn their culture in the first place. So I say - Well-done to anyone who takes any third world children out of their misery. Our Governments and finances and the rate and with the rate of HIV/ AIDS deaths we cannot cope with the problem.

Mr. Trump, I agree there is far to many children that needs homes in the U.S.. My wife and I are in our 50's and wanted to take in children to give a loving home to but we are both on disibility and was told

Hello, Mr.Trump. The prospect of adoptation is a noble act, cultivated out of humility.I salute to those people who step out of their silence and try to make a difference in the world. We have lots to learn from people such as Madonna and you alike.

Adoption should be made easier in terms of formality and procedure worldwide. it shouldnt matter if the adoption is in Africa, America or China. The bottom line is there are so many children in the world who need a better home.... a better life...and if anyone can afford to take care of a child, let them be free to do it from wherever their hearts takes them! The natural parents love them as much its just that they cant afford to give them better lives though they so wish. From America or Africa or China a touch on a child's life to better it is a touch to a better world.

Great comments, but have some of these individuals might utilize one thing like...gee, what might that be....now I remember...SPELLCHECK????
DON

Mr. Trump, To love a child, there is no need to adopt. Like Madonna who has all the money in the world should adopt an orphan. Or she should of helping David's family instead of taking him away from his father. I am in Realtor, my dream is to open an orphanage someday with some money in some where like the 52 million house in Pasadena, California. It would be perfect for the Orphange. The contributors are required to donate their time to love and play daddy and mommy of these unfortunate children. Would you agree?

Mr Trump, I am a big fan of yours, even have a framed autographed picture of you on my office wall. With the greatest respect - this article was just plain stupid.

I think Donald trump is out of order this time. Adoption is a personal matter and let Madonna decides who & where to adopt. Donald this is not an economic or business decision! Its a family and personal and it requires different principles to that of building a tower.

I couldn't agree more Mr. Trump. I think some attention should be brought to the tragic statistics on foster children in this country.

Thank you for your insight into this matter. I totally agree. I would like to see more opinion columns from you to know more of what you are about and your website provides you with a great opportunity to do this.

Mr. Trump,
Who really cares what one 'cog' in America's wheel would do. I know of three immediate people who have adopted children from foreign nations. Throwing her in the spot light because she is doing some 'great deed' is just pushing her publicity. The big question here is, literally and figuratively, how much did she pay you for this commentary? Also get off the public soap box and stick to business and intuition. It truly is what you do best!

"De hele aarde is mijn vaderland".Ever been to Rotterdam, Netherlands? Those words means: "the whole world is my fathercountry", and they are written on front of the Rotterdam central libraly. As an African who lives in Europe and have been travelled many palaces, I believe the whole world is my fathercountry, of corse as a celebrity like Madonna or Trump there are many think they'll get accomplished easily in any place on the planet. But Like Mr. Trump says: 'know exactly what you want and keep int to yourself'. To Mr. Trump, I'll say we are earth inhabitant before all, being American, African,... comes second.

"There is a principle which is a bar against all information, which is proof against all arguments and which cannot fail to keep a man in everlasting ignorance - that principle is contempt prior to investigation."

Who are we to tell this woman what to do with her life? If she is doing this because she genuinely wants to help someone in need, and she gets permission to do it legally, then there's no reason to stop her. If she isn't genuine, the media will eat her alive in time.

Also, with regards to Helen's comment:

"People adopt child to fulfill a need not to acquire a posession."

You adopt a child because you either want a family and are unable to have children of your own, or because you want to help an orphaned child in need. You don't do it to "fulfill a need" that's one of the most selfish things I've ever heard. If someone feels they "need" to adopt a child and will not survive without it, then clearly they are delusional, or at least heavily emotionally dependent, and probably aren't fit to take care of a child in the first place.

And for those of you who are reprimanding Donald for speaking about adoption when he has not adopted a child before, that's the worst argument ever. Donald knows a lot of people, and I'm willing to bet he knows a few people who have adopted, or have researched the process. Telling people their opinions are not valid is not only disrespectful, but an insult to the foundations of this country.

My sister adopted a child in Philadelphia two years ago. It took less than 6 months. Why? Because the child is black, female and teenaged with a medical condition and my sister is heterosexual, married and while not rich, highly educated. So the system saw this as a good thing and it was done without hassle. But if the child were white and an infant, it would have been a bidding war with other adoptees and my sister probably would have lost a kid she loved to "richer" people. There are kids waiting in every nation for a home and the red tape to secure them is not daunting. All of you who are preaching foreign adoptions here as so willing to work years for an MBA and go through the necessary steps and paperwork, but you won't wait and fight for a child in your own country. So you run to a depressed nation and consider your fast purchases "cultural". You are designing the future along race and privilege and it makes you hypocrites and Madonna is just the latest in a slue of celebrity false gods and goddesses that agree with you. She is in desperate need of a career boost, her European tour isn't selling. Since this whole thing started she's been all over the UK news, in soft lighting with candles, discussing her "struggle" -- and her new tour. She's pathetic and transparent and I weep for all her kids.

Donald,

You've hit the nail on the head. It is showing the plight of these countries. Although I wonder if it is not publicity, I wonder about the stability of the celebrities and the final outcome of all this remains to be seen.

Mr. Trump
I cannot agree enough! When I read some of the news articles with the Madonna adoption, it made me feel like her selection was a pit stop on the way to Gucci. She would fare better offering help to the community where the ba

I firmly believe that, out of respect for others, I should not comment on their personal choices, especially where parenting is concerned. I have my own views about how I would, or would not, adopt children for example. But it would be less-than-moral for me to say that everybody should want to do things my way, or they are wrong or immoral if they do not. This, in my view, is a big problem today. People say that their own views of things (be it a question of womens rights, marriage rights, religion, and more) are the only way and that everyone else is wrong. A good society respects, and expects, everyone to have control over their personal choices. And when control over personal choices gets enacted into law, then we are really headed down the wrong path.

MR.TRUMP IS RIGHT, AMERICAN PEOPLE SHOULD ADOPT AMERICAN CHILDREN WHO NEED A HOME FIRST JUST AS WE SHOULD HELP MILLIONS OF AMERICANS FIRST WHO ARE HUNGRY, HANDICAPPED,UNEMPLOYED, AND DISASTER VICTIMS.

What the United Nations says about adoption as child trafficking


From 1. http://www.unhchr.ch/children/documents.htm:

COMMISSION ON HUMAN RIGHTS
Fifty-ninth session
Item 13 of the provisional agenda
RIGHTS OF THE CHILD

Report submitted

I am all for lending a helping hand in third world countries but like the Donald said Charity begins at home.

There are millions of people who are impoverished and starving to death all over the world. I commend anybody who is taking an initiative to bring hope, help, and healing to oppressed people. In regard to criticizing and judging people's personal motives for their deeds, I believe only God should do that. I also think people who love to make comments about positive deeds of others should make sure that they take a good look in the mirror and ask themselves what am I doing, because only what you do for God will last, and you can't take anything with you after your time in this world has expired.

Mr. Trump - it use to be interesting to read your thoughts on various business matters. Have you run out of insightful business comments already or do you have too much time on your hands?

I don't give 2 sh*ts about Madonna's children. This is a real estate blog. I want real estate info. Hello? Hello?? Anybody home!?

Right on Mr. Trump. There are some 80,000 children in the US waiting for adoption. It seems we should weed our own garden first. I wish some "stars" would bring attention to our own orphan situation in the US. Thank you for making this point!

Does this mean that you and your lovely wife are adopting?!

Mr. Trump,
I am glad to see that you smell something rotten in this adoption scenario. It is just the tip of the ice burg regarding Adoption in America. Adoption is a billion dollar business in this country. Full of coercion, secrets and lies, money, lawyers and sealed records. Why?

Why are prospective adopters going overseas? Why have so many other countries stopped providing children for adoption to the US?? Why are adoption and birth records still kept closed to adult adoptees? Why are mothers that have lost children to adoption still denied their medical records of the birth? Are we HIDING SOMETHING?? Why are there hundreds of children in temporary foster care praying through tears every night for a family they can call their own, permanently? Why can't some foster homes be permanant guardians with out legally adopting and changing the birth records????? Why are our politicians pushing maternity homes for our capable young unwed mothers, yet allow single parents to adopt???? Supply and demand? $$$$$$$$$$$

Infant adoption is what the majority of prospective adopters desire. Foreign adoptions have become popular because there is a greater chance of gaining an infant quickly and neatly. Infants foreign or not are desired so that you can pretend it is your own child. A clean slate. Adopting a child of a different race does make this difficult, although the chance of having problems with the original family is slim. The fast track to adoption. It is not required to tell a child that he/she is adopted in the US. US Birth records reflect the new parents as the original parents that have given birth. Adoption records are sealed. An adopted child, even as an adult in most states are denied their birth right

Mr. Trump's main point, in my take, is that celebrity attention to the need for adoptive parents for kids right here in the US would be energy better spent than pursuing international adoptions. I do not see DJT saying international adoptions are bad, but rather that "star power" focused on US adoptions could help call attention to the problems kids face here in the US. Most adoptive parents want to adopt babies - in response to a natural desire and need - to reproduce. (It ain't sick, bucko - we ALL act to satisfy ourselves first - altruism arises out of a personal desire to do good because the altruist wants to FEEL GOOD - but I digress.) But the need is much greater for older children, and there are many of them! I just got off the phone with my adopted 16 year old. He does not live at home right now. We are going through tough times with him - but WE are going through those times WITH him! Older children need loving, patient, educated people to adopt them. Celebrity attention to that cause would be a wonderful thing! Meanwhile - my hat's off to anyone who adopts a child! One word of advice - get help and access community resources early in the adoption! It will never be perfectly smooth sailing!

Yes Donald I agree with you one hundred percent. I used to work in the social service venue and I know for a fact that their are thousands of American chilren that needs a home with love and caring. I think that there is a stigma when it comes to American children. American Black children who do need homes do know The history of this country and the battle Black Americans had to deal with from slavery until now. Wearas Black children from Afirca view white Americans as being different from white Afrians. Make no mistake they will eventually learn. There are so many ways in clearing your consious and quilt because you adopt a poor little black child
I am fed up with anyone who thinks that will solve the problems of Africa.

I think you people don't understand. I'm from Africa and I go back there once a while. You need to be out there to see what Madona saw. Maybe it will melt your heart.
For us, Madona is the brightest light to shine on that part of the world since God said "Let There Be Light".

I disagree with Lawrence, who stated that Mr. Trump's opinion was out of order. From my perspective, it almost would not matter what the issue was - the "opinion" of Trump would almost inevitably be something of great value or worth considering. He is a man of the world, a man of conspicuous intelligence, and has personality idiosyncrasies which would add a great deal (worth considering) in nearly any situation. Much of this is coincidence; all of it is fact. I apologize, only slightly, if most readers regard my commentary as not germaine.

Mick Kord

Madonna just wants publicity - I think Brangelina got to her ego. fortunately for the adopted boy, he'll grow up with "lots of stuff". It would be good if these celebrities started taking care of the good old USA, the country that made it possible to achieve their high level of success. Instead they want to fix the rest of the world as if it was their calling, and we all know that it's their ego calling. The US is not good enough for them. They won't get the wolrd wide publicity, it's not "chic",shame on them. You must fix your house before you can fix the neighborhood - I am happy for the little boy but, when he grows up and realizes that he was just another shopping experience, well --- Good Luck to him! I'd like to congratulate Denzel Washington in his efforts to help the Boys and Girls Club right here in the USA - no that's a class-act

i am adopted. my mother is american and my father is indian. i am thankful that they adopted me and gave me a life, otherwise i would have been living in a god-forsaken state... need i say more?

I take it that the celebrities get "the pick of the litter". What about all the rest of them???

First we were brought over on a boat, and now on a plane. I am not against adoption, I am sure that the child will have a better life. If Madonna and all of the other celebrities are so concerned about children in these underprivaledged countries, why don't they donate/spend money so that people people are not hungry and homeless, and they can create an economy where they can survive? If they did this, then children can be reared in thier own country and culture. Look, Madonna has already placed a red ribbon on the child to signify another religion when the child was baptized Christian. I applaud her and the other's motives if they are pure. However, are they doing this to benefit the child or themselves. You can't save the world, but wha have they gained to adopt one and leave the others in the same condition that they say they are rescuing the one from.

I must say, I totally agree with Mr. Trump, although adoption is an honorable humanitarian gesture, there are many, many children right here in the United States that are in need of adoption, that have been mistreated all there lives and are hopeless in their spirit. Those children would also would love to be raised in a loving home with security and a future. And there are just as many infants and newborns as older childern if a person didn't want to adopt an older child.

When I watch this celebrity adoption circus for me its questionable especially in madonna's case whether its a ploy to revive media attention and get some spotlight. However, whether thats true or not there are still millions in this country in need of adoption especially

I do agree with your blog Mr. Trump. The celebrities these kinds of adoptions make for increasing their personal reputation and making marketing for their personal favors. The practice of being international is a normal strategy for every member of celebrities. They want to be in contact with international community

I think adoption in general is a great thing as long as it is for the best interest of the child. This means that the adopter/new parents should respect the values of the childs background and should not isolate the him/her from it.

Well noted Mr. Trump. It is well known here in England that there are many frictions between Madonna and Guy - they have power-amp interaction problems - so, some see the ba

Just think she is going to have to change all the babies dippers! Or will she employ some one from Ethiopia to do that for her?...

I read the good part and the bad part. Let's put aside the personal feeling we have for the celebrities here. There are two things in a human behaviour good or bad and also unbalanced. Let's appreciate the good part here and try to find a way to resolve the bad part and that is not

Accept all contributions thankfully small or large. A boy was running on the beach throwing fish washed on the shore back into the water. His older uncle said, what does it matter, you cannot save them all? The boy picked up a fish and threw it into the water and said, "It matters alot to that one!" Volim

As a Nigerian raised in Africa and currently living in the US I feel Madonna has the right to adopt from any part of the world she wishes to..on this score I do not fault her decision adopting from Africa. However, where I see a wide gap is in the fact that the child is not an orphan and as such should not have been taken away from the family. Perhaps Madonna should have looked for an orphan so as not to rock David's family fabric..
If her motives are genuine then good for her but if not then woe betides her..

I'm also glad that all the previous commentators that support Mr Trump's opinion that 'charity begins at home' never gave a staggering statistic of destitute children in America (just a couple of thousands). I am sure that while growing up as a kid most of us NEVER went to bed hungry.Millions of children in Africa live below USD 1 daily..I know because I am a product of that system.

Now that Mr Trump has broached this topic, I shall advise that he takes a trip down to Africa specifically to see the plight of children.Race,religion, or geographical location should not be a barrier to humanitarian and philantrophic efforts.

I challenge as many of us ,that would, to do some introspection. How have you contributed to the survival of a fellow human being? This is important because our stay on this planet is quite short. We all did not choose our nationality at birth, but God did and he has a reason for that.

In conclusion, I believe most of us will heed to this clarion call to positively affect the lives of children, geographical location does not matter since the world is just one big village.

Donald: There are so many children within our own communities that could really have use of a Boys & Girls Club Of America. Would you consider donating start-up monies for new construction of these clubhouse in the mosted financially deprived neighborhood in NY and NJ. How does The Donald Trump Boys' and Girls' Clubhouse of America" sounds? Pretty good! Just earmark your donations. These clubhouses provide after school programs, and allows for parents' rest or that extra time to wind down. Sometimes it creates the difference for a loving enviroment. You probably would not know this because of your own blessed childhood. Unfortunately for many, it is not so. I'm sure you have read "The Wealth Of Nations"

It is interesting to see the many issues that this topic evokes. To me there are two key pieces. First is Madonna adopting this kid for publicity. Probably. She has kissed Brittany Spears and Worn her underwear on the outside of her clothes before anyone else for attention. She is probably doing this for attention too. They say God can take something that may not be good and make it good. The vanity and publcity seeking of these celebrities does bring these topics out for discussion and helps these kids. Worse case scenario for these chosen children are that they are well taken care of "pets" of these celebrities. There are some issues there, however they have more options and a much better chance of survival. Isn't that what a parent wants for their child most of all? I am the mother of two. And though it would tear my heart right out to let them go I would make the loving choice and let them go to a place where their needs not only were met but they could have the opportunity to dream and have their dreams realized.

I believe that when Angelina Jolie met her son Maddox it was divinely ordered. I believe she did it from Love. Like it is mentioned Mr. Trump and Mr. Kiyosaki's book " Why We Want You To Be Rich. Two Men,One Message" and I paraphrase we should do what we love and act from Love not fear.

I think Angelina's actions were "purer" if you will because they are of love. Madonna's smacks more of fear of being forgotten and out of the public eye.

This is another case of the Golden Rule. Those with the gold are making the rules. When we have some money and some influence and people are looking to see what we are doing with our riches we can support the foster care system, we can contribute to pay foster parents more, to pay for better workers to monitor the system, to provide counseling and positive social groups for children who are in the foster program to see another way other than the way that was modeled for them.

Otherwise this is all babble. As American's we love to babble and tell our opinions which as the saying goes, everyone has one.

There are a lot of emotions on all sides of the adoption issue. That has been shown on this blog. A lot of energy. It would be powerful if it could be focused into some positive reforms of the system.
I'd love to see some action.

I almost throw up people daring to judge without any knowledge of why Madonna adopted this little child, the only thing people judge on is her status of being famous, so what? She has the good right to choose from which ever country in the world and quite logical, in Madonna's case, from a country where so many people live in poverty. Passing the lines of government rules because of being famous, let me tell you if I was you I would do exactly do the same and would adopt as many children as I could before some other freak comes up with another freaky rule. Your playing it out over the childrens heads, every child in need has the right to be saved regardless rules and regulations. I'm living in Indonesia and see the same Western people telling me not to give money to mothers with babies in their arms, begging on the street for money, I get Western people telling me the mum doesn't deserve to get money this way, she's using her ba

Whoever they adopted, they did it. That's their own choices.

Perhaps for Donald should as well go extra mile to benefit those lives in Africa. Why not, Americans has all it can offer even invading other people's countries on the expense of tax payer. For Maddona, she have done a great thing. This man (David's father) have never supported his child or even visit him. I wonder whether his idea were not invaded? I recommend for Trump to take a stand his jett and visit African countries. Perhaps you will consider spending some of your worth to the poor in Africa.

DONALD! DO US ALL A FAVOR AND PLEASE RUN FOR PRESIDENT IN 2008! I WILL BE YOUR NO.1 POLITICAL CAMPAIGN ADVISOR. AND I WILL DO ALL OF YOUR POLITICAL ADS-THAT WILL GUARANTEE YOUR ENTRY INTO THE OVAL OFFICE. YOU HAVE THE LOOK AND FEEL OF A TRULY COMPASSIONATE EXECUTIVE PRESIDENT. LETS YOU AND I TOGETHER, PUT YOU IN THE OVAL OFFICE SO THAT YOU CAN INVEST 4-8 YEARS OF 'RESPONSIBLE' LEADERSHIP. PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE! ALSO, I CURRENTLY RESIDE IN THE RIVIERA MAYA AREA OF MEXICO. IT IS PARADISE, AND THE REAL ESTATE AND CONSTRUCTION IS BOOMING. I AM JUST A GUY WITH NO MONEY OF MY OWN. BUT I HAVE IDEAS THAT WILL MAKE YOU THE NUMBER ONE GUY THAT WE NEED RIGHT NOW. RESPONSIBLE LEADERSHIP...THAT 'ONLY YOU' CAN DELIVER. CAN YOU PLEASE FLY TOO CANCUN, OLD MEXICO TO MEET WITH ME. POR FAVOR... LOVE AND FRIENDSHIP, EMILLO

Donald, Donald, Donald...who died and made you God? When was the last time you used your celebrity status to get what you wanted...last time you went out to eat, perhaps? Remember: "Judge not...lest ye be judged!"

You're right. There are too many kids right here in the US that need a home. i had the pleasure of sitting

She's jumping on because its good for publicity. The uber-mega millionaires could have done this a long time ago and privately. Kids didnt just start going hungry a few years ago. The "me" ism is sickening and considering how many hungry bellys are here in the US they should all be ashamed. Lets face it, it is now cool for these people to start toting around "exotic" babies. Seperates then from the commoners like us who cant afford it!!!!!

All this hoopla over adopting a child. If it was not a celebrity no one would ever hear of it, or no one would give a care. No one should give a care about Madonna adopting a child from Africa. If Madona and the rest of celebrity world want to do any good in the world, adopting a child to further feed their inflated ego would hardly make it on the list helping the mankind, or world peace. Lastly true altruism defies publicity! A celebrity can hadly sneeze and not make it on someone's someone's magazine cover! Enough said.

Mr. Trump,

Please check out this site, an idea for helping young mothers become successful in life for themselves and their children.
IT SEEMS TO BE RIGHT UP YOUR ALLEY
Maybe you can help too.
Thanks,
Kelly


Pregnant?

Scared?

No support from your family or the father to keep your child?

Don't want to abort?

Don't want to abandon your ba

It's not just in Africa, it's everywhere/anywhere financially stable Americans can go to secure an infant........
The article is here:
http://www.nytimes.com/2006/11/05/world/americas/05guatemala.html?pag...
(You need to sign up to the nytimes, it's free)=================================================
Guatemala System Is Scrutinized as Americans Rush In to Adopt

WHO CARES? What does this have to do with business other than your bored and wasting your time worrying about what other people do when you should be earning the 6.85 minimum wage you just voted for

Good meritorious deeds !! to all who can afford to adopt poor children from other countries.

TO THE GENTLEMAN WHO SAID WHO CARES...Do you want to know why he's interested because there is a lady out there that has both the President's son and his daughter. They are both adopted. And so you realize his family around him adopted as well. Guess who schmuck? No scandal. She realized the men didn't love her so she raised them with another gentleman and they have a loving family. Her name begins with D. And Donald and the President may nver find out about them or their grandkids.

I totally disagree with you Don.
They are all God's children.
Our son and daughter were both adopted from Guatemala.
The US makes it so hard to adopt.
My family is not racist.
Why should we let a non US born child suffer and wait while we choose to discriminate against them to get a child that looks like us.
You are sooooooooooo wrong here.