Barron Trump, the youngest son of former President Donald Trump, is beginning his college journey in a way that’s quite different from most students. According to a recent Fox News interview with his mother, Melania Trump, Barron opted to stay in the comfort of his family’s home rather than live in a dorm. He’s now a freshman at New York University’s Stern School of Business, but unlike his peers, it seems Barron won’t be navigating cramped dorm rooms or communal showers.
Melania Trump shared in the interview that Barron chose to stay in New York City to study, but rather than living on campus, he’s staying at Trump Tower, the same luxurious building he grew up in. While she didn’t explicitly confirm this living arrangement, media outlets have interpreted her comments to suggest Barron is commuting from home rather than living in a dorm, a stark contrast to most freshmen experiences.
For many, dorm life is considered a rite of passage—an opportunity to experience independence, meet new people, and learn life skills like sharing space with a roommate. Past presidential children, such as Sasha and Malia Obama, the Bush twins, and Chelsea Clinton, all experienced dorm living while in college. However, Barron’s decision to stay in a more familiar, private setting is hardly surprising, given the heightened security needs and attention that comes with being a public figure.
The decision to forgo dorm life might make sense considering Barron’s unique circumstances. At 18 years old and standing well over six feet tall, the standard twin bed in a dorm room would likely be uncomfortable. Furthermore, living in a dorm as the son of a former president would bring its own set of challenges, including being constantly surrounded by security detail, which would make him stand out even more among his peers.
NYU students, however, haven’t forgotten about Barron’s presence. According to reports, he’s already become the subject of fascination on social media platforms like TikTok, where fellow students have captured glimpses of him around campus. Despite this, Barron has been keeping a low profile, reportedly skipping student fairs and parties during his first weeks of school.
While his choice to stay at Trump Tower might shield him from some of the pressures and curiosities of college life, some believe he’s missing out on an essential part of the college experience. Living in a dorm allows students to grow through new experiences, interact with people from different backgrounds, and develop a sense of independence. Barron’s decision to remain at home, if confirmed, may align with the Trump family’s preference for maintaining a lifestyle that reflects their status and comforts.
Nevertheless, Barron deserves respect for his choices and the space to carve out his own path, even if it differs from the traditional college experience. Living in a skyscraper with his name on it is certainly unique, but then again, so is his life. Whether he embraces the typical NYU student life in the future remains to be seen, but for now, Barron Trump is making college work his way.
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