First Lady Melania Trump has firmly dismissed rumors that her husband’s recent clashes with Harvard University were motivated by their son Barron being rejected by the Ivy League school. Melania responded through her communications director, Nicholas Clemens, saying: “Barron did not apply to Harvard, and any assertion that he, or that anyone on his behalf, applied is completely false.”
The clarification comes amid escalating tensions between President Donald Trump and Harvard. In recent weeks, Trump has launched a fierce campaign against the university, accusing it of discrimination, slashing federal funding, attempting to restrict international student admissions, and threatening to cancel over $100 million in government contracts. He has also demanded the dismantling of Harvard’s diversity, equity, and inclusion programs—a demand the university has refused. Hello! Magazine reported.
Speculation about Barron’s college prospects fueled the fire. After Trump intensified his criticism of Harvard, some, including Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), implied that personal grievances may be driving the attacks. Whitehouse posted on X, formerly Twitter, “Can’t help but wonder how many Trumps got rejected by Harvard,” alongside an article about the feud.
In truth, Barron Trump chose a different path. The 19-year-old completed his freshman year at New York University’s Stern School of Business in 2025, opting for a route distinct from his older siblings, who attended the University of Pennsylvania and Georgetown.
President Trump explained the decision in an interview with the Daily Mail, stating, “He’s a very smart guy, and he’ll be going to Stern, the business school, which is a great school at NYU. It’s a very high-quality place. He liked it. He liked the school.”
Trump also confirmed that Wharton, his alma mater, was considered. “We went for Stern. He’s a very high-aptitude child, but he’s no longer a child. He’s just passed into something beyond childhood. He’s doing great.” Stern, one of the nation’s most prestigious business schools, accepts only 1 in 20 applicants—hardly a consolation prize.
Melania also spoke candidly about Barron’s unique college experience during a Fox & Friends interview. “I don’t think it’s possible for him to be a normal student,” she said. “He’s very strong, and he knows that he’s in a different position than other children.”
She revealed that Barron played a surprising role in Trump’s 2024 election campaign. “I’m very proud of him… he brought in so many young people,” she said, crediting Barron’s digital savvy with helping reach Gen Z voters. “He was very vocal,” Melania added. “He knew exactly who his father needed to contact and to talk to.”
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