Barron Trump, the youngest son of former President Donald Trump, has started his first semester at the prestigious Stern School of Business at New York University (NYU).

This news of Barron's academic shift, complete with Secret Service detail in tow, comes despite the publicly declared hostility of several NYU professors and administrators toward Barron's father, Donald Trump, as the Daily Mail reports.

Despite the positive sentiment surrounding Barron’s academic start, there has been some controversy. J.P. Eggers, the interim dean of the Stern School, previously signed a letter condemning Donald Trump as a "threat to the United States."

This letter, written by a Harvard Business School professor, was signed by 21 faculty members at NYU Stern, including Eggers, back in October 2020.

Dean’s Past Criticism of Donald Trump Surfaces

Eggers became interim dean of NYU’s Stern School of Business in July 2024, after a lengthy career as a professor at the institution since 2008. He also served as vice dean for MBA and graduate programs between 2018 and 2024. However, his past signature on the 2020 letter, which declared Donald Trump "unfit to lead" and a danger to the Republic, has drawn attention now that Trump's son is enrolled at Stern.

The letter itself was part of a broader movement among business school faculty to criticize Donald Trump’s leadership style and policies. The letter stated that business leaders had a responsibility to speak out and that remaining silent about Trump’s presidency would be “unacceptable and immoral."

Barron Trump’s Academic and Athletic Choices

Barron Trump’s decision to attend NYU was a notable one. According to Donald Trump, Barron had considered attending the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania, where his father studied. However, Barron ultimately chose NYU, one of the top business schools in the country, known for its rigorous academic program and influential alumni.

Not only will Barron focus on his studies at Stern, but he also plans to continue his soccer career at the college level. Previously, Barron played soccer for DC United's youth teams, and his passion for the sport appears to be carrying over into his college years.

NYU Stern Welcomes Famous New Student

NYU Stern, one of the nation’s leading business schools, boasts a highly selective undergraduate program. Notable alumni of Stern include former Federal Reserve Chairman Alan Greenspan and billionaire businessman Kenneth Langone, co-founder of Home Depot. Barron Trump now joins this prestigious institution, continuing a family legacy of academic excellence.

Donald Trump spoke to the Mail about Barron's acceptance to NYU, expressing pride in his son’s decision. “He’s a very smart guy,” Trump said, adding that Barron had been accepted into many schools but ultimately chose Stern. “We liked NYU. I’ve known NYU for a long time,” Trump noted, highlighting the school's high quality and reputation.

Barron Trump Involved In Father’s Campaign

While adjusting to his new role as a college student, Barron Trump has also become increasingly involved in his father’s 2024 presidential campaign. Donald Trump recently revealed that Barron has been crucial in helping the campaign connect with younger voters, particularly Gen Z, by leveraging relationships with popular influencers and podcasters.

Barron’s involvement was evident during a livestream with social media influencer Adin Ross, held at Mar-a-Lago. The event drew over 580,000 live viewers, showcasing Barron’s ability to tap into digital platforms and social networks that resonate with younger audiences.

Trump Family and Impact of Public Life

As the 2024 presidential race heats up, Donald Trump has spoken about the personal toll that public life has taken on his family. He noted that Barron, despite being only 18, has grown up under the intense spotlight of media scrutiny and public opinion.

“Being in public life has cost my family a lot,” Donald Trump said, emphasizing the challenges his children, including Barron, have faced as part of their high-profile roles. Still, Trump expressed confidence in Barron’s future, describing him as a "very high aptitude" individual who is thriving in his new chapter.

Barron’s Academic Journey Amid Controversy

Although Barron’s transition to NYU Stern seems to be going smoothly, the controversy surrounding his father's political past lingers. J.P. Eggers' previous condemnation of Donald Trump may lead to further scrutiny as Barron navigates life at NYU.

Barron’s choice to attend a school with such strong ties to the business world, despite the history between the faculty and his father, marks an important moment in his personal and academic journey. It remains to be seen how the campus environment will react to Barron’s presence, given the lingering political tensions.

Conclusion

Barron Trump’s entrance into NYU’s Stern School of Business has garnered attention not only due to his famous last name but also because of the complicated political history involving the school’s interim dean and his father.

Despite the past, Barron is focusing on his academic and athletic pursuits while also playing a role in his father’s ongoing presidential campaign.

His decision to attend Stern over other top business schools like Wharton signifies a new chapter in his life, one that will be watched closely as both he and his family continue to be in the public eye.