Eric Trump reveals Barron’s remark to Biden before POTUS' inaugural speech
NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK: During President Donald Trump’s return to the White House last year, his youngest son, Barron Trump, briefly approached former President Joe Biden. Cameras captured the moment, leaving many to speculate about what the two said to each other before Donald Trump’s fierce inaugural address criticizing the Biden administration. Eric Trump has now explained exactly what happened in that exchange.
Eric Trump reveals Barron Trump–Joe Biden exchange
A clip from the inauguration circulated widely, showing Barron Trump shaking hands with Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris after the swearing-in ceremony. The video generated heavy online speculation, including claims that Barron had delivered a rude message to Biden.
Barron shakes hands with Joe Biden and Kamala Harris after the swearing-in ceremony pic.twitter.com/FnbYrRXKju
— Charlie Spiering (@charliespiering) January 20, 2025
While appearing on an episode of 'The Megyn Kelly' Show on November 14, Eric Trump addressed the viral moment and the various interpretations circulating online. He noted that commentators and social media users had even attempted lip-reading to guess what Barron said.
“Do you remember that whole controversy where Barron went up to Biden and the media had all these lip-reading experts analyze it, and they said, ‘Barron just told Biden to go f*** himself?’” Eric said, recalling the rumors surrounding the footage of his younger brother greeting the former president.
Eric explained that the speculation prompted him to ask Barron directly. “So one night I called Barron and said, ‘Buddy, what did you actually say?’ And he said something so polite I might not get it exactly right, but it was along the lines of, ‘Congratulations and best of luck to you,’ or something like that. Something very respectful.”
Eric Trump says Barron Trump was never confrontational
Eric also mentioned discussing the moment with podcaster Patrick Bet-David. He emphasized that Barron was not the type to spark conflict. “He doesn’t have that in him,” Eric said. “He’s a nice guy. He’s probably thinking it. He definitely has it up here,” he added, motioning to his head, “but he’s too courteous to actually go out there and say it.”
“Barron’s a really nice kid,” he said, underscoring that the teenager’s demeanor was consistent with the respectful greeting he offered Biden.
Donald Trump’s inaugural address targeted Biden administration
The exchange between Barron Trump and Joe Biden happened shortly before Donald Trump began his inaugural address after being sworn in as the 47th president of the United States. The speech lasted more than half an hour and centered on sharp criticism of the Biden administration, even as Biden sat only a few feet away.
During the address, Trump declared that he would end what he viewed as censorship of free speech, direct the government to recognize only two genders, ensure that students would not “feel ashamed” of their curriculum, and expand domestic energy production with “drill, baby, drill.” He closed by proclaiming that “our golden age has just begun."
Donald Trump shares sons Eric Trump and Donald Trump Jr. and daughter Ivanka Trump with his late ex-wife Ivana Trump, daughter Tiffany Trump with ex-wife Marla Maples, and son Barron Trump with wife Melania Trump.
