Former President Donald J. Trump revealed on Friday that his youngest son, Barron, now 18, is one of his close political advisers. However, later that day, it emerged that Barron would not be participating as a delegate from Florida at this summer’s Republican National Convention.
In a radio interview, Trump spoke fondly of Barron, describing him as “tall” and “good-looking,” as well as being “a great student” who is interested in politics. Trump recounted instances where Barron has offered advice, saying “He’ll tell me sometimes, ‘Dad, this is what you have to do.'”
Trump also mentioned that Barron, currently a high school senior, will soon be selecting a college, noting that “a lot of these choices of colleges are changing because you see what’s going on in the last month,” an apparent reference to the recent anti-Israel campus protests.
While Barron was expected to join his siblings Don Jr., Eric, and Tiffany as an at-large delegate from Florida at the Milwaukee convention in July, his mother Melania released a statement saying he would not attend due to “prior commitments.”
Barron’s college choice has been a topic of interest, with reports suggesting NYU as his top pick, though the family has not confirmed his final decision.
Trump had previously expressed concern that his ongoing criminal trial in Manhattan could prevent him from attending Barron’s high school graduation on May 17. However, the judge overseeing the case has allowed Trump to be present for the ceremony.