Barron Trump misses first week of classes at NYU, official says 'he's doing a semester at another campus'

NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK: Barron Trump, the 19-year-old son of President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump, did not appear at New York University’s Stern School of Business for the start of his sophomore year, according to campus security staff quoted by People.

Barron, who officially enrolled at NYU last fall, was expected back on campus on Tuesday, September 2, when classes resumed.

Barron Trump missing from NYU campus as fall semester begins

One officer told the outlet that he had been informed Barron is “doing a semester at another NYU campus” but declined to provide further details, citing privacy concerns.

Neither NYU nor Melania's office, which typically handles inquiries about the president’s family, has commented on his whereabouts.

Despite standing out physically at 6-foot-7, Barron has largely avoided the spotlight in both public life and during his time at NYU. Students interviewed last year described him as reserved, spending much of his time gaming or pursuing private interests rather than socializing on campus. The president of the NYU College Republicans even referred to him as “an oddity on campus” during an interview with Vanity Fair.

Barron did not spend his summer focused on typical college pastimes but instead worked on business and tech projects while dedicating significant time to family.

“He is interested in business in general, developing properties, making money, and being involved in successful projects,” the insider said, adding, “He has his own ideas and understands what people his age are looking for. He is quite entrepreneurial, bright, and not shy about getting his career in gear.”

Sources also said he does not appear to prioritize dating or parties, unlike many of his peers. “I don’t think that’s a big deal in his life right now,” an insider told People. “He has more school, a family who dotes on him, and a career of his own that he is launching.”

Melania Trump keeps a close watch over Barron at NYU

The first lady, who has been intensely protective of her only child, reportedly ensures she knows his daily routines and monitors who has access to him.

A political insider told People in August that Melania “watches Barron constantly in an effort to be sure nobody messes with him or bullies him, as this is a constant worry with her... She always knows where he is and what he’s doing.”

In 2024, People reported that Melania made sure Barron remained at Trump Tower during his freshman year, rather than moving into a college dorm.

Speaking to Fox News at the time, Melania explained, “I couldn’t say I’m an empty nester, because I don’t feel that way.” She added that Barron himself opted to stay close to home, saying, “It was his decision to be in New York, to study here and live in his home, and I respect that.”

NYU operates three main campuses — New York City, Abu Dhabi, and Shanghai — as well as several global academic centers, including one in Washington, DC. If Barron is pursuing a semester away, a US-based option would keep him closer to family while still offering international-level academic opportunities.