Barron Trump has been noticeably absent from New York University (NYU) for several months, according to various reports. The 19-year-old son of President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump was enrolled at NYU’s Stern School of Business last September, but his presence has been missing on campus this academic year, as noted by students and staff.
Barron, who stands at 6 feet 7 inches tall, would typically stand out among his classmates. Rob Shuter’s (#ShuterScoop) investigation revealed that sources, including fellow students and campus officials, have not seen Barron Trump attending lectures or utilizing shared spaces during this academic year.
One source informed Shuter that if Barron were walking around campus, it would be noticeable because individuals of his height are hard to ignore.
The situation has led to questions about his status among students. One source mentioned, “No student has seen him, noting that everyone knows the president’s son is supposed to be here, but it’s as if he’s a ghost.”
An official from the university commented that there are jokes about Barron being enrolled only on paper.
No official explanation has been given for Barron’s absence from campus. Student records are protected by law, and universities usually do not share details about individual enrollment or attendance. It remains unclear whether Barron is delayed in starting his sophomore year or has withdrawn from the university.
An NYU security officer informed the media that Barron is spending the semester at a different NYU location, but declined to provide further details to maintain the teenager’s privacy.
Barron’s college experience has been challenging from the outset. During his freshman year, he commuted from Trump Tower to campus in black Secret Service SUVs that sometimes disrupted Manhattan traffic. The security detail accompanied him everywhere, including to and from classes as well as on trips to the library.
Even when he was regularly attending, students described his presence on campus as minimal. One student told TMZ that Barron “hardly exists” on campus, as he moved quickly between buildings with his security team.
Kaya Walker, former president of the NYU College Republicans, told Vanity Fair that Barron is “sort of like an oddity on campus. He goes to class, he goes home.”
Walker also told the magazine that a professor joked Barron “doesn’t really belong here.” Walker later resigned from her position following backlash over her comments.
During his freshman year, Barron found alternative ways to connect with classmates. He reportedly asked them for their Discord usernames and gaming tags so they could play video games online together. His preferred game was FC25, a soccer video game previously known as FIFA.
The extensive security presence made typical college interactions difficult. Secret Service agents accompanied Barron everywhere, attempting to blend in by wearing casual clothes and backpacks, but students easily identified them.
One classmate mentioned that when asked to play basketball, Barron appeared interested, but the student sensed “he wasn’t really allowed to do stuff.”
Another student described how Barron is “watched like a zoo animal.”
The security presence sometimes caused confusion on campus. In April, federal vehicles parked outside campus buildings initially alarmed students and faculty who thought they were immigration enforcement officers. Officials later confirmed that the vehicles were part of Barron’s Secret Service protection.
Reports about Barron’s social life during his freshman year were varied. Some sources reported that he was adjusting well and even had a girlfriend, while others noted that he struggled to fit in due to his circumstances.
According to a source who spoke with People.com, Barron isn’t particularly focused on dating or other typical interests for someone his age. Instead, he reportedly spent his summer exploring potential business and technology projects while also dedicating time to his family.
Barron chose NYU over other options, including the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School, where his father attended. President Trump commented that they liked NYU and praised it as a highly rated institution.
NYU’s Stern School of Business accepts only 25 percent of applicants and is ranked among the top business programs nationally. The annual tuition is approximately $87,000.
The Trump family relocated from Florida to Washington, D.C., when Donald Trump assumed the presidency again in January. This change may have impacted Barron’s living situation and college plans.
Melania Trump has expressed concerns about her son’s safety while trying to ensure a normal college experience. She has stated that her role involves always knowing where he is.
Barron’s prolonged absence from campus has left students and faculty curious about his future plans and whether he will return to complete his degree at NYU. His situation highlights the challenges faced by children of high-profile political figures who seek a normal educational experience while navigating security requirements and public scrutiny.
NYU operates three primary degree-granting campuses in New York City, New York; Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates; and Shanghai, China, as well as numerous academic centers worldwide. One of these is located in Washington, D.C., offering the benefit of keeping him closer to his family.
