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Boy forced to change his name after bullying due to famous namesake

A young boy enduring relentless bullying at school has changed his surname after his famous namesake began making headlines across the world for all the wrong reasons.

Joshua Trump’s nightmare ordeal began when Donald Trump announced his intentions to run for the position of US president in 2015.

“He said he hates himself, and he hates his last name, and he feels sad all the time,” his mother, Megan Trump, told US television station WPVI.

Joshua Trump has faced years of bullying thanks to sharing his name with the US president. Source: WPVI
Joshua Trump has faced years of bullying thanks to sharing his name with the US president. Source: WPVI

The bullying became so bad his parents decided to pull him from his school in the US state of Delaware and he was homeschooled for the rest of the year.

“He was being ridiculed and bullied for the fact that his last name was Trump,” his father, Bobby Berto said.

Beginning middle school, Joshua’s parents warned school staff about previous bullying and hoped new surroundings would improve the situation.

Joshua Trump has now adopted his father’s surname, Berto. Source: WPVI
Joshua Trump has now adopted his father’s surname, Berto. Source: WPVI

However the abuse continued, escalating to the point where five students were disciplined for their actions towards Joshua.

“They curse at him, they call him an idiot, they call him stupid,” Ms Trump said.

Running out of options, the family made the decision for Joshua to adopt his father’s surname, Berto.

His school are now keeping a close eye on the situation and offering him extra support if he needs it.

Joshua’s name change comes a month after a young girl named Abcde was ridiculed by airport staff in California.