Barron Trump is set to experience life far away from his father, Donald Trump, for the first time in many years. Recently, Barron enrolled at New York University, and it appears that opinions among his new classmates regarding him vary significantly.
Since Donald Trump’s departure from the White House in 2020, little has been publicly known about Barron’s life. However, just a few months ago, a former classmate from Oxbridge Academy—the high school he attended in Palm Beach, Florida—shared insights into his social life, revealing that Barron was not deeply integrated into the school’s social scene.
Now 18 years old, Barron is embarking on his college journey, a time typically filled with new experiences and friendships. Yet, according to reports, this transition has not been the easiest for him. While he is making an effort to meet new people, his approach appears to be somewhat unconventional.
Barron Trump’s upbringing has been vastly different from that of most individuals. He spent his early years in Trump Tower, where he reportedly had his own floor as a child, and later resided in the White House while his father served as President of the United States.
Following Donald Trump’s White House exit in 2020, Barron and his parents relocated to the Mar-a-Lago estate in Palm Beach, Florida. His mother, Melania Trump, took extensive measures to shield him from the media spotlight, enrolling him in the private Oxbridge Academy.
While Barron was rarely seen in public, details about his school life remained largely undisclosed. However, a former classmate recently provided insight into his high school experience.
Reports indicate that Secret Service agents accompanied Barron at all times while he attended classes at Oxbridge, even escorting him to the bathroom and standing outside his classroom door. To maintain his privacy, Barron was reportedly registered under the name „Jack” in school records and computer systems to protect his personal data from potential threats.
Barron Trump ‘didn’t get to enjoy high school,’ says former classmate
Due to security concerns, Barron did not participate in sports or share meals with his peers. Speaking to the Daily Mail, a former student described it as unfortunate that Barron did not get to experience high school like other students.
“Barron was very funny and sociable. He would start the most random conversations and could be very entertaining,” the classmate shared.
“He was also very mysterious—he never attended football games or dances. I don’t think he met up with anyone outside of school or went on dates. If he had a girlfriend, it was a well-kept secret.”
The former classmate concluded: “I’m sure he had fun in his own way, but it was unfortunate that he didn’t have a normal high school experience.”
Barron graduated from Oxbridge Academy with both his parents in attendance. For a long time, his college plans remained uncertain. Eventually, he chose to enroll at New York University’s Stern Business School, where he is currently pursuing his education.
Donald Trump shared with the Daily Mail that Barron had considered attending the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School, where his father studied. Ultimately, Barron opted to stay in New York City, where he was raised.
Barron Trump attends Stern Business School
Stern Business School is recognized as one of the top business schools in the United States, with only 5% of applicants gaining admission to its undergraduate program.
“It’s a very high-quality place. He liked it. He liked the school,” Donald Trump told DailyMail.com. “We liked NYU. I’ve known NYU for a long time, and it’s one of the highest-rated schools.”
“I went to Wharton, and that was certainly an option we considered. But we ultimately chose Stern,” Trump added. “Barron is a very intelligent young man. He’s grown up now, and he’s doing great.”
Donald also mentioned that Barron intends to continue playing soccer at NYU, a sport he has enjoyed for years, including his time playing for DC United’s youth team while living at the White House.
Secret Service agents follow Barron Trump at NYU
Since leaving the White House, Barron has continued to receive Secret Service protection. The 18-year-old will have agents accompanying him on campus at NYU. While the Secret Service has confirmed his protection detail, specific security arrangements have not been disclosed.
US Secret Service Chief of Communications Anthony Guglielmi told Newsweek: “The President-elect has been receiving heightened Secret Service protection, and this level of security will be maintained moving forward.”
“While we cannot share specific details to ensure operational security, family members and executive staff of the President-elect may also receive protection in accordance with federal law,” he added.
Guglielmi also confirmed that enhanced security measures have been coordinated in Palm Beach County, Florida, and New York City.
Due to his studies, Barron will not reside at the White House as he did during his father’s presidency. Instead, he is expected to live at Trump Tower, though whether Melania Trump will accompany him remains uncertain.
Barron Trump ‘will become a liberal at NYU,’ student claims
Security professionals have noted that the child of a U.S. President is considered a “soft target” in law enforcement and military terms. Paul Eckloff, a former Secret Service agent who worked with past presidents, explained to Newsweek that Barron may appear to be alone in public settings, but he is always under discreet surveillance.
Barron was spotted by paparazzi on his first day at NYU, and reactions from fellow students have been mixed.
A student interviewed by the Daily Mail speculated that Barron might adopt more liberal views to fit in, stating: “He’s going to NYU, so if he’s interested in dating, he’ll become a little more liberal, that’s for sure.”
Another student humorously remarked: “My mom is going to want me to marry him.”
Secret Service agents continue to follow Barron on campus. One student expressed sympathy, saying, “I feel bad for him. He didn’t choose this life.”
A fourth student took a more neutral stance: “His dad is his dad, and he is his own person. I’m not going to judge. Of course, I’d be friends with a Trump.”
How Barron Trump is making new friends at NYU
Despite some warm receptions, not all students are enthusiastic about Barron’s presence at NYU. One student stated firmly: “I would absolutely not be friends with Barron.”
“It speaks to the privilege that many NYU students have. I’m only here because of financial aid,” the student told the Daily Mail.
As for how Barron is adjusting to college life, a People Magazine source claimed that the 18-year-old has been quite popular among female students since arriving in September.
“He’s at Stern studying business. He’s definitely a ladies’ man,” the source said. “He’s tall and handsome. Even liberal students find him attractive.”
Adjusting to a new environment can be challenging. While being the son of a former president might open doors, it’s important to form genuine friendships rather than connections based on fame. With Secret Service agents always nearby, casual interactions with Barron may not be as easy as they are with other students.
‘Chill’ Barron invites classmates to online gaming
Reports suggest that Barron has found an innovative way to connect with new classmates. According to TMZ, he has been using online gaming as a means to build friendships at NYU.
He has reportedly invited classmates to join him on the gaming platform Discord, where they play and chat. Given his passion for soccer, he has been playing EA Sports FC 25.
Although NYU is close to Trump Tower, Barron is escorted to and from campus in an SUV. Even so, his classmates have described him as “chill.”
Melania Trump recently spoke about her son’s college experience, acknowledging that his time at NYU will be unlike that of other students.
“I don’t think it’s possible for him to be a normal student,” she said. “His experience is very different, but he’s strong and understands his unique position.”