Barron Trump, the only child of former U.S. President Donald Trump and former First Lady Melania Trump, is trying to live the life of a typical college student—but with some very atypical challenges.
Spotted recently at New York University’s Stern School of Business, Barron was dressed casually in a white polo, khaki pants, and a slung-on backpack. His appearance was more laid-back than his usual camera-ready public image, with tousled hair and a relaxed stride. But no matter how normal he looks, his life is far from ordinary.
Security remains a major concern. With a round-the-clock Secret Service detail shadowing his every move, Barron’s ability to blend in or engage spontaneously with classmates is extremely limited. Making new friends in college is tough enough, but when you can’t even share your phone number, it’s nearly impossible.
Sources close to the Trump family revealed that Barron instead relies on Xbox and Discord to connect with peers. “It’s his go-to,” a source told Page Six. “Handing out his phone number isn’t an option—once it’s out, it spreads fast, and you’re stuck changing it every few weeks.” For Barron, video games aren’t just a hobby—they’re a social lifeline.
Donald Trump recently opened up about his tech-savvy son in an interview with Laura Ingraham, joking about how hard it is to pull Barron away from his laptop. Melania, too, has praised Barron for helping his father understand younger voters and navigate the digital world.
Despite the immense public spotlight, Barron is carving out his own space, using the tools of Gen Z to build connections in a controlled environment. As he grows into adulthood, it remains to be seen how his unique upbringing will shape his future.
But in a world where his last name brings both fame and scrutiny—can Barron Trump ever truly be just another student?