Barron Trump, the 19-year-old son of President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump, is making his presence felt at New York University, both in appearance and lifestyle. Recently, he was seen on campus with a noticeably different style than what he has shown in public appearances with his father.
Standing at 6 feet 7 inches, the NYU freshman showcased a casual look on Tuesday, April 22, as he navigated university life. His usual slicked-back hair and formal clothing were replaced by a white polo shirt, khaki pants, and a brown belt. His hair appeared shaggier, with tousled bangs completing his transition to a more relaxed college appearance.
This shift in style marks a significant change from Barron’s previous polished and formal look. His past public appearances primarily featured tailored suits and meticulously styled hair, in contrast to his current, more casual image.
Barron began his education at NYU’s esteemed Stern School of Business earlier this year, following his graduation from Oxbridge Academy in Florida. As the sole child of President Trump and Melania Trump, and the youngest of the president’s five children, Barron’s transition to university life comes with unique challenges not faced by other students.
A primary challenge is the continuous presence of his Secret Service detail, which accompanies him on campus. The security team includes plain-clothed agents, some reportedly equipped with bulletproof vests and ballistic plates in backpacks. Heightened security is a necessary measure, especially given the security concerns surrounding the Trump family.
“He’s trying to fit in and meet new people at NYU,” a source familiar with Barron’s college experience shared. However, regular social interactions can be difficult under such scrutiny.
Most notably, Barron’s security team has implemented strict rules regarding his interactions with fellow students. He is prohibited from exchanging phone numbers with peers, including potential romantic interests, due to privacy and security concerns. If his number became widely known, it could result in persistent calls and unwanted attention.
To navigate these social barriers, Barron, who is tech-savvy, has found alternative ways to connect with classmates. Instead of traditional phone number exchanges, he communicates through gaming platforms such as Discord and Xbox, allowing him to interact with peers in a more controlled setting.
His gaming preferences reportedly include FIFA, NBA 2K, and Grand Theft Auto V, which provide both entertainment and a social outlet. These platforms help him maintain privacy while forming friendships with fellow students, offering a creative solution to the limitations imposed by his high-profile status.
President Trump has previously praised his son’s technological abilities. He noted that Barron possesses an “unbelievable aptitude in technology” and can efficiently navigate computer systems, even assisting his father with technical issues. Melania Trump has also acknowledged her son’s digital skills, attributing to him the ability to connect the Trump campaign with younger voters.
Despite his presence on campus, Barron keeps a relatively low profile at NYU. He reportedly attends lectures twice a week and spends time in the student lounge between classes. While some students attempt to take photos with the president’s son, security concerns often necessitate declining such requests.
Accounts of Barron’s social integration at NYU vary. Some sources describe him as sociable and mature, while others suggest he prefers solitary activities like gaming. The reality likely lies somewhere in between, as he balances being a public figure and an ordinary college student.
Outside of his studies, Barron is reportedly exploring entrepreneurial ventures that align with his father’s business background.
His more relaxed appearance on campus also coincides with what observers describe as a physical transformation. Photos suggest subtle changes in his build and overall look as he settles into college life, further differentiating his current image from his more formal days during Donald Trump’s initial term.
As Barron continues his education at NYU, the unique circumstances of his college experience offer insight into the challenges faced by presidential children striving for normalcy while under intense scrutiny. His adaptation strategies—from fashion choices to communication methods—demonstrate a young adult forging his own path while navigating the complexities of his family’s public profile.