President Donald Trump, during an Oval Office meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Monday, August 18, 2025, candidly acknowledged that First Lady Melania Trump has a stronger affection for their 19-year-old son Barron than for him.
The president’s comment arose while he explained Melania’s personal motivation for writing a letter to Russian President Vladimir Putin, urging peace in Ukraine. Trump suggested that Melania’s deep love for children, especially Barron, prompted her to reach out to Putin concerning the ongoing conflict.
Trump remarked with a laugh: “She’s got a great love of children, she has a wonderful son that she loves probably more than anybody, including me, I hate to say it.” This statement was made as Zelenskyy expressed gratitude for the first lady’s diplomatic efforts.
During discussions on Melania’s letter to Putin, which Trump delivered at their summit in Alaska on August 15, it was noted that Melania did not attend the summit but penned a message appealing to Putin’s compassion for children affected by the Ukraine conflict.
Trump explained that Melania’s decision to write the letter stemmed from her concern for children suffering in the conflict. He highlighted her love for Barron and children in general, expressing her distress over the violence’s impact on innocent lives.
In her letter, Melania wrote about children’s universal dreams, stating that every child shares quiet dreams of love, possibility, and safety, regardless of birthplace. Drawing on her experiences growing up in communist Yugoslavia, she conveyed her understanding of the effects of conflict on children.
Melania implored Putin to protect children’s innocence in the warring regions, emphasizing the parental duty to nurture hope for future generations. She argued that leaders have a responsibility to sustain children beyond immediate comforts, advocating for a dignified world for all.
The letter concluded with a direct appeal to Putin, suggesting he could restore children’s laughter and serve humanity by safeguarding their innocence. She emphasized that such actions would transcend human divisions, noting Putin’s capacity to enact this vision.
Trump’s admission about Melania’s devotion to Barron reflects her protective nature toward their only child. Sources familiar with the family have noted that Melania prioritizes shielding Barron from political backlash, aiming to normalize his life amid public scrutiny.
Following Trump’s reelection, multiple sources described Melania’s concerns about the impact of national divisiveness on Barron, who remains uninvolved in political controversies. Sources noted she serves as a supportive figure for Barron, discussing life realities and their public position.
Mrs. Trump’s parents have provided strong support for Barron throughout his life. Though her mother, Amalija Knavs, passed away in January 2024, her father, Viktor, remains closely involved. Sources described Melania’s most meaningful moments as family-centered, with Barron as the primary recipient of her love and care.
Melania has previously defended Barron publicly, including a rare statement in May countering rumors about his college applications. Her spokesperson clarified that Barron had not applied to Harvard University, contradicting speculation about the president’s criticism of the institution being linked to his son’s rejection.
Barron is expected to begin his second year at New York University‘s Stern School of Business this fall. While he appeared during the 2024 campaign, he has been less visible with his father recently, aligning with his mother’s efforts to maintain his privacy.
The White House meeting on Monday included Zelenskyy and a delegation of European leaders, including Finnish President Alexander Stubb, French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.
During the meeting, Zelenskyy presented Trump with a letter from Ukrainian First Lady Olena Volodymyrivna Zelenska addressed to Melania, highlighting the role of diplomatic spouses in international relations and peace efforts.
