Barron Trump, the youngest son of former U.S. President Donald Trump and Melania Trump, is living a college life unlike most students, closely guarded by the Secret Service as he navigates his freshman year at New York University (NYU).
A Highly Unusual College Experience
At 19, Barron is currently studying at NYU’s Stern School of Business, but his daily routine is far from ordinary. While other students casually make their way to class or grab a coffee unnoticed, Barron’s movements are carefully coordinated. Reports suggest he travels through the city with NYPD-assisted routes, using bus lanes and private entrances to avoid attention.
Secret Service Strategy: Blending in on Campus
Once on campus, the security measures continue — but with an effort to stay discreet. According to the Daily Mail, Barron’s Secret Service detail swaps their typical dark suits and sunglasses for more casual, student-appropriate clothing in order to avoid standing out.
Even with these precautions, Barron has still become somewhat of a curiosity on campus. Kaya Walker, former president of the NYU College Republicans, told Vanity Fair that Barron attends classes and heads straight home, calling him “sort of like an oddity” because of the attention he receives. She eventually stepped down after facing backlash for her comments about him.
The Challenge of Protecting a Teen in the Social Media Era
Former Secret Service agent Paul Eckloff, who has protected the families of presidents including George W. Bush, Barack Obama, and Donald Trump, told The Independent that guarding a president’s child in today’s world, where social media instantly reveals locations, presents major security challenges.
Eckloff explained that if a student posts a photo of Barron at a party or event, it could quickly expose his whereabouts, increasing his risk of becoming a target. He pointed to similar scrutiny faced by Malia Obama, whose photos at Lollapalooza went viral, sparking widespread media attention.
Eckloff added that this type of exposure is part of a growing threat environment for high-profile students today.
Barron Trump is all over TikTok. He’s taking over NYU. pic.twitter.com/bANanwzXjJ
— johnny maga (@_johnnymaga) September 16, 2024
Constant Security Presence in Every Aspect of Barron’s Life
For Barron, these security concerns mean he is never truly alone. Reports suggest that his Secret Service detail even follows him to the restroom, and he’s rarely — if ever — spotted in the campus cafeteria.
One student told Vanity Fair they had invited Barron to play basketball, but while he seemed interested, the student sensed that he wasn’t exactly free to participate in typical student activities. Instead, Barron is said to spend much of his downtime gaming and following soccer.
Barron’s Presence Still Turns Heads on Campus
Despite keeping a low profile, Barron has still captured the attention of some of his peers, in part due to his towering height and appearance. One student told PEOPLE magazine that many at NYU — even those who don’t support his father — find him attractive. However, others have noted that he’s rarely on campus long enough to socialize or engage in student life, according to the Daily Mail.
Behind-the-Scenes Security Tactics
Protecting someone like Barron at a busy, urban campus like NYU comes with significant challenges. As Eckloff explained, securing a college dormitory is virtually impossible, so the Secret Service has to rely on innovative methods, including plainclothes agents, surveillance technology, and highly flexible security plans.
Eckloff emphasized that while agents are mindful of not interfering too much with the student’s experience, their primary job is to ensure safety.
“Most students are getting their first taste of independence in college,” he said. “But in this case, the security measures are necessary — and a small price to pay for protection.”
Ultimately, Eckloff summed it up simply: “Having your college experience limited a bit is better than being kidnapped.”
