Melania Trump gives candid glimpse into changing relationship with son Barron

NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK: Melania Trump offered a rare glimpse into her family life while discussing how she makes time for her 20-year-old son, Barron Trump.

During an interview on Fox Business’ ‘The Big Money Show’ on Wednesday, September 23, the first lady spoke about the challenge of balancing work, family and a son who is now a young adult.

Melania said that scheduling is important because everyone in the family has busy lives. She also acknowledged that family time has become less frequent, while making clear that she sees this as part of Barron growing up and becoming more independent.

Melania Trump talks about making time for son Barron

During the interview, co-host Taylor Riggs asked Melania how much time she gets to spend with Barron and whether the family still tries to have Sunday night dinners together.

Riggs noted that Melania has several responsibilities, from running businesses and charities to organizing state dinners and managing family life.

She then asked what advice the first lady would give to mothers who feel stretched between work and wanting to spend time with their families.

Melania gave a simple answer.

“It’s good to schedule, right?” she said. “It’s always good because everybody’s so busy.” 

She then explained that the same challenge applies to her own family.

Melania said her husband, President Donald Trump, can sometimes remain in the Oval Office until late at night, making regular family dinners difficult to plan.

“My husband is working—sometimes he's in the Oval Office till 9:30 at night, right? So do you wait that you will have dinner? You don't, because he's busy. I'm busy too,” she said.

Melania went on to acknowledge that the amount of time the family spends together has changed.

Melania Trump says family time with Barron is becoming less frequent

Melania said that family time is now happening less often as everyone deals with their own schedules.

“It’s less and less the family time. It’s suffering because of it,” she said. “But that’s OK. We are here to work, to do a good job, and that’s what matters.”

She also spoke about Barron’s age and the fact that he is no longer a child.

“And Barron is already a young man, so sometimes he's maybe even happy that, you know, I just want to do my stuff. And that's okay,” Melania said.

Her comments offered a picture of a mother adjusting to her son entering adulthood.

Rather than describing the change as a problem, Melania presented it as part of having a growing son who has his own interests and schedule.

Melania Trump previously spoke about being there for Barron

Melania’s latest comments can be viewed alongside remarks she made earlier this year about parenting Barron.

In January, she told Fox host Maria Bartiromo that parents need to be especially present for their children when they need them.

“You need to be there for a child nonstop, especially when they need you, especially at that age that Barron is,” Melania said at the time.

Barron was 19 then. He is now 20 and is beginning his junior year at New York University. 

Last year, Barron chose to move back in with his parents and attend classes at NYU’s academic center in Washington, DC.

His transition into college and young adulthood has brought a different stage of family life for Melania.

Barron Trump’s public life has drawn attention

Barron has also faced public attention this year because of reports about his apparent closeness to members of the online “manosphere.”

The New York Times reported last year that Barron admired Andrew Tate. Tate has been accused of many serious allegations he has denied. 

Tate also said in 2024 that he had spoken with Barron after the assassination attempt against Donald Trump in Butler in July 2024.

Another report this year discussed Barron’s connection to Justin Waller, a figure associated with the “manosphere.”

Those reports have added to the public interest surrounding Barron as he moves further into adulthood.