The White House has issued a statement asking that President Donald Trump’s youngest child, Barron, be treated better.

On Tuesday (AEDT) a Saturday Night Live writer was suspended for tweeting an offensive joke about Barron, 10, which caused the White House to issue to the statement.

“It is a longstanding tradition that the children of presidents are afforded the oppurtunity to grow up outside the political spotlight,” the statement from the White House Press Office read.

“The White House fully expects this tradition to continue. We appreciate your cooperation on this matter.”

The writer, Katie Rich, later deleted the tweet, deactivated her account but then reactivated it, saying she wanted to “sincerely apologise” for the “insensitive” tweet and “deeply regret” her actions.

On Monday Barron found support from Chelsea Clinton, with the former first daughter saying he “deserves the chance every child does – to be a kid.”

This isn’t the first time SNL has got into trouble for joking about the president’s children.

In 1993, then-cast member Mike Myers had to write an apology letter to the Clintons after a skit that mocked Chelsea Clinton.

The current controversy over Barron Trump comes after President Trump lashed out at the way Saturday Night Live has lampooned him, with the president saying Alec Baldwin’s semi-regular portrayal of him “stinks”.

Barron is the only son Mr Trump has had with current wife Melania Trump.

– with AAP