Barron Trump, son of President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump, has not been seen at New York University (NYU) for several months, according to multiple sources. The 19-year-old began attending NYU’s Stern School of Business last September, but reports indicate he has been absent from campus this academic year.
Standing at 6 feet 7 inches tall, Barron would be easily noticeable among students. Rob Shuter’s investigation (#ShuterScoop) revealed that sources, including fellow students and campus officials, have not seen Barron in lectures or common areas this year.
A source informed Shuter that Barron’s presence on campus would be evident due to his height, saying, “if Barron were walking around campus, people would know because you don’t overlook someone that tall.”
His absence has prompted questions regarding his status. One source noted, “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 jokes circulate about him being “only enrolled on paper.”
No official explanation has been provided for Barron’s absence. Student records are protected by law, and universities typically do not disclose specific enrollment or attendance details. It remains unclear whether Barron is delayed in starting his sophomore year or has withdrawn.
An NYU security officer mentioned to the media that Barron is reportedly spending the semester at a different NYU campus, but further details were withheld to respect his privacy.
Barron’s college life has been challenging from the onset. During his freshman year, he traveled from Trump Tower to campus in New York City, New York in black Secret Service SUVs, which disrupted traffic. His security detail accompanied him everywhere, even into classrooms where he sat in the back surrounded by agents.
Students described his presence on campus as minimal. A student told TMZ that Barron “hardly exists” on campus, moving swiftly 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 mentioned that a professor joked Barron “doesn’t really belong here.” Walker later resigned amid backlash over her comments.
During his freshman year, Barron found alternative ways to connect with classmates. He asked for their Discord usernames and gaming tags to play video games online, with FC25, the soccer video game formerly known as FIFA, being a favorite.
The extensive security made normal college interactions difficult. Secret Service agents were present at all times, trying to blend in with casual attire and backpacks, but they were easily noticed by students.
One classmate said that when asked to play basketball, Barron seemed interested, but it felt like “he wasn’t really allowed to do stuff.”
Another student remarked that Barron is “watched like a zoo animal.”
The presence of security sometimes caused confusion on campus. In April, federal vehicles outside university buildings alarmed students and faculty, who initially thought they were immigration enforcement officers. It was later confirmed that the vehicles were part of Barron’s Secret Service protection.
Reports on Barron’s social life during his freshman year were mixed. Some sources indicated he was adjusting well and had a girlfriend, while others suggested he struggled to fit in due to his unique circumstances.
According to a source speaking to People.com, Barron is not particularly focused on dating or other typical interests for someone his age. Instead, he spent the summer exploring business and technology projects and being with his family.
Barron chose NYU over other institutions, including the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School, where his father attended. President Trump praised NYU as a highly rated institution.
NYU’s Stern School of Business accepts around 25 percent of applicants and is recognized as one of the top business programs in the country. Annual tuition is approximately $87,000.
The Trump family moved from Florida to Washington, D.C., when Donald Trump began his presidency again in January. This relocation may have affected Barron’s living arrangements and college plans.
Melania Trump has expressed concerns about her son’s safety, emphasizing her role in knowing his whereabouts while ensuring a normal college experience.
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 complexities faced by children of high-profile political figures seeking normal educational experiences while managing security and public attention.
NYU operates three primary degree-granting campuses in New York City, New York; Abu Dhabi; and Shanghai, along with several academic centers worldwide. One of these centers is in Washington, D.C., potentially allowing Barron to remain closer to his family.
