Barron Trump, the 19-year-old son of President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump, did not show up for the first week of classes at New York University, raising eyebrows and sparking curiosity about his current college plans. The young Trump, who was set to begin his second year at NYU’s Stern School of Business in Greenwich Village on Tuesday, September 2, has yet to be seen on the main campus, according to multiple reports from campus security staff.
One officer, speaking on condition of anonymity, said, “From what I was told, he’s doing a semester at another NYU campus.” The officer did not provide further details, citing privacy concerns, leaving many wondering where Barron has landed instead.
NYU operates a sprawling network of campuses both in the U.S. and overseas. Aside from the main Greenwich Village campus, degree-granting campuses exist in Downtown Brooklyn, Abu Dhabi, and Shanghai. The university also has numerous academic centers in major cities, including Los Angeles and Washington, D.C.—the latter conveniently close to where Barron’s parents are currently based. The Stern School also offers an International Business Exchange Program with partner universities abroad, though the program is typically reserved for juniors and seniors, not underclassmen.
A Manhattan Move and a Busy Summer
Barron relocated from Palm Beach, Florida, to Trump Tower in Manhattan last year so that he could live closer to NYU. The move made commuting to the Greenwich Village campus much easier as he embarked on his college journey.
While many students use summer break to relax and unwind, Barron’s summer looked very different. A source familiar with his plans told PEOPLE that he spent most of the season shuttling between various Trump family properties while simultaneously laying the groundwork for his future business ventures. He reportedly attended meetings with business partners, explored tech projects, and made plans to launch his own company.
“Barron has been actively working on his own financial interests and has spent time with others who he is involved with in that area,” the source said, emphasizing that the teen has been focused on building a career of his own. Beyond work, he also spent a significant amount of time with his family, balancing his professional ambitions with family life.
Rumors About Romance Swirl
Earlier this year, rumors began circulating about Barron’s romantic life. In May, an anonymous source on the NYU campus told NewsNation that the first son “has a really nice girlfriend and hangs out with her a lot.” However, the claim was never substantiated, and has not been able to verify it.
The last public comment from the Trump family regarding Barron’s love life came a month into his freshman year. Donald Trump told podcast host Patrick Bet-David, “I don’t think he’s had a girlfriend yet.” Nearly a year later, insiders say that Barron’s romantic life remains private and not a priority. “I don’t think that’s a big deal in his life right now,” one source said. “He has more school, a family who dotes on him, and a career of his own that he is launching.”
It seems clear that Barron is focused on his education, family, and future business pursuits rather than dating at this stage.
Melania Trump’s Protective Eye
Melania Trump is known to be fiercely protective of her only child. According to a political insider, she constantly monitors Barron to ensure his safety and well-being. “She watches Barron constantly in an effort to be sure nobody messes with him or bullies him, as this is a constant worry with her,” the source explained.
“She always knows where he is and what he’s doing,” the insider continued. Melania’s hands-on approach extends to his academic and social life as well. “She will do everything she can to make sure Barron does well in school and is socially and mentally adjusted to his life as a college student,” the source added. Dorm living, the insider noted, wasn’t “in the stars” for Barron at this point.
This protective parenting style is consistent with the broader Trump family approach. With the public eye always watching and critics quick to comment, ensuring Barron’s safety and stability remains a top priority for Melania.
Public Reaction and Speculation
Barron’s absence has inevitably caught the attention of the media and the public. Social media users and news outlets alike have speculated about whether he has transferred to a different NYU campus, is participating in an overseas program, or simply prefers a more private semester away from the Greenwich Village hubbub.
Some commenters have raised questions about the influence of his family’s high-profile lifestyle on his education. Many young students balance college life with internships or travel, but Barron’s combination of business ventures, family duties, and media scrutiny makes his situation particularly unusual. Critics have suggested that attending a different campus could be an attempt to maintain a low profile while pursuing opportunities not available at the main campus.
Others have expressed support, noting that Barron seems focused and ambitious. The combination of work, study, and family time paints a picture of a young man intent on carving out his own path rather than simply drifting through college life.
Looking Ahead: What This Means for Barron’s Education
It remains unclear whether Barron’s semester away from the main campus is temporary or part of a longer-term plan. NYU’s flexibility allows students to study at multiple locations and even abroad, making it possible for Barron to continue his degree while exploring unique opportunities.
His business-focused summer suggests that he is already thinking beyond the classroom. With meetings, tech projects, and potential ventures lined up, the young Trump appears determined to establish himself professionally from an early age. While many students his age are still figuring out their paths, Barron is reportedly laying the groundwork for a career that could rival his parents’ high-profile enterprises.
As for college life, insiders say he remains well-supported by his family. Whether he’s commuting from Trump Tower, studying remotely, or spending time abroad, the focus seems to be on ensuring that he thrives academically, socially, and mentally.
A Glimpse Into the Life of America’s Youngest First Son
Barron Trump’s college experience is anything but ordinary. Unlike most freshmen and sophomores who navigate dorms, parties, and cafeteria life, his path is shaped by a combination of elite education, family oversight, and burgeoning business ambitions. While his peers might take a gap year or lounge on the beach, Barron has spent his summer traveling, networking, and preparing for a future in business.
For the public and media, his every move invites speculation and scrutiny. Every absence from campus becomes a news story, every meeting a potential headline. Despite the pressure, those close to him insist that he remains focused on school and personal growth, with his family providing guidance and protection every step of the way.
Barron’s story reflects a delicate balance: growing up in the spotlight while carving out an independent identity. With the fall semester underway and questions swirling about his whereabouts, all eyes are on him. But for now, it seems the young Trump is quietly pursuing his ambitions, supported by a family determined to see him succeed, whether on campus, abroad, or in the boardroom.