Barron Trump, the youngest son of former President Donald Trump, is set to attend New York University’s Stern School of Business this fall, marking a shift away from the family tradition of attending the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School of Business, which his father and older siblings attended.

The decision was confirmed by Donald Trump during an interview with the Daily Mail, as Barron was poised to begin his first semester in New York City, as the Washington Examiner reports.  

Donald Trump shared that Barron had been accepted into multiple colleges but ultimately chose Stern.

During an interview with the New York Post in August, the former president revealed that Barron had finalized his choice for college.

At just 18 years old, Barron is preparing for his academic future and making his mark on the Trump family’s legacy by stepping outside their traditional academic path.

Donald Trump Supports Barron’s College Choice

The former president has expressed his pride in Barron’s decision, describing him as “a very smart guy.” Donald Trump praised Stern’s reputation, calling it “a great school” and explaining that Barron had made the decision to attend NYU after exploring his options.

“He’s all set in a certain school that’s very good,” Donald Trump said on Aug. 20. He further shared that Barron had always been a strong student, reiterating that “he’s smart.”

While the family has long been associated with the Wharton School, Donald Trump noted that the choice for Stern was well-considered. “We didn’t do that. We went to Stern,” the former president reflected.

Barron Trump Joins NYU Community

Barron Trump was recently spotted in New York City as he prepared to begin his first semester at NYU. His arrival marks the next phase in his life, with Donald Trump remarking that his son has moved past his childhood.

“He’s no longer a child. He just passed into something beyond childdom,” the former president said. “He’s doing great.”

Barron is the youngest of Donald Trump’s five children and the only child from Donald and Melania Trump’s marriage. While his older half-siblings -- Donald Trump Jr., Ivanka Trump, and Eric Trump -- all attended the University of Pennsylvania, Barron’s decision to attend NYU stands out as a departure from the family’s previous academic choices.

Barron Trump Engages sith Youth Audiences

Barron’s connection to younger audiences has grown over the past few years. During a rally in Florida in July, Barron received a standing ovation from attendees, further cementing his growing presence among Generation Z.

This influence has extended into the realm of social media as well, with Barron playing a role in his father’s campaign outreach to younger voters. Notably, Generation Z influencer Theo Von personally thanked Barron during an interview with Donald Trump. “Tell Barron I said thanks,” Von said as he wrapped up his conversation with the former president. Donald Trump, in turn, acknowledged Barron’s influence by noting his familiarity with social media personalities, such as Adin Ross.

Barron Trump’s Role in Influencer Culture

Donald Trump has previously mentioned Barron’s deep understanding of today’s influencer culture. The former president admitted to learning about influencers like Ross through his son’s involvement, highlighting how Barron has introduced him to a different generation of media personalities.

“He knows every one of them,” Donald Trump said of Barron’s grasp of online culture. “He knows so much about it,” he added, praising his son for bridging the gap between the older and younger generations.

Earlier this month, an interview between Donald Trump and Ross attracted significant attention, peaking at 580,000 live viewers on the platform Kick, making it the third-most-watched stream in 2024.

A New Chapter for Barron Trump

As Barron embarks on his academic journey at NYU, he steps into the public eye more than ever before. Donald Trump has spoken highly of his son’s abilities and intellect, emphasizing that Barron is well-prepared for the challenges ahead. Though the Trump family has deep ties to the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School, Barron’s decision to attend Stern shows a willingness to forge his own path.

In conclusion, Barron Trump’s enrollment at NYU’s Stern School of Business marks a significant moment for both him and his family. While his decision breaks from the tradition of attending Wharton, Barron has received strong support from his father, who believes that NYU is an excellent fit. With a growing presence among younger audiences and connections to popular influencers, Barron is poised to make his own mark on both the academic world and beyond.