Barron Trump Breaks Family Tradition: Chooses NYU Over Ivy League Schools

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Barron Trump, the youngest son of former President Donald Trump and Melania Trump, is making headlines after breaking a family tradition by choosing to attend New York University (NYU) instead of the University of Pennsylvania or Georgetown, which his siblings attended. Barron recently completed his freshman year at NYU and is slated to graduate in 2028.

The announcement came in the midst of the Trump administration’s escalating tensions with various academic institutions, particularly Harvard University. There have been unfounded rumors regarding Barron’s admission status, leading to speculation about his relationship with schools like Harvard.

On May 27, 2025, Nick Clemens, a spokesperson for the Office of the First Lady, issued a statement regarding these rumors, asserting, “Barron did not apply to Harvard, and any assertion that he, or that anyone on his behalf, applied is completely false.”

This speculation grew particularly intense leading up to the 2024 presidential election. During a rally in Doral, Florida, on July 9, 2024, Donald Trump explicitly praised Barron’s academic achievements, stating, “He got into every college he wanted to.”

In contrast, the rejection rumors surrounding Harvard have roots in broader frustrations expressed by Donald Trump about elite universities. Critics allege that institutions like Harvard have not adequately addressed issues surrounding diversity and inclusion, especially during protests about antisemitism related to the war in Gaza.

Trump’s administration has threatened to withhold funding from universities for alleged non-compliance with federal directives, further complicating the dialogue surrounding Barron’s college choice. Trump’s stance is echoed by notable figures within the Republican party, including Florida Republican Senator Rick Scott, who outright criticized university policies related to diversity initiatives.

While the discourse continues to swirl around Barron’s educational choices, he remains low-key on campus, often seen accompanied by Secret Service agents, and maintains a distance from the spotlight. According to sources close to him, he keeps a low profile and connects with peers mainly through gaming.

The involvement of Barron Trump in the political dynamics of his father’s tenure continues to spark public interest, yet he remains an enigmatic figure amidst ongoing political debates, especially concerning education and institutional integrity.