Kathrine Frich
Growing up in the White House is an experience few children ever have, and Barron Trump’s years in Washington were anything but typical.
While much of his life stayed out of public view, moments from his time as a first son quietly made history.
These facts shed light on how Barron navigated life during his father’s presidency.
He delayed moving into the white house
Barron didn’t move to Washington immediately after Donald’s inauguration. Melania chose to keep him in New York so he could finish the school year.
She worried about disrupting his routine mid-term.
Mother and son joined Donald five months later. The delay was all about stability.
He was the first boy in decades to live there
When Barron arrived in 2017, he became the first boy to live in the White House in nearly 60 years.
The last was John F. Kennedy Jr. in the early 1960s. Barron’s arrival marked a rare shift in presidential family history. His presence drew public curiosity.
The role of “first son” returned.
His lifestyle barely downgraded
Despite moving from a Manhattan penthouse, Barron’s comfort level remained high. The White House staff reportedly catered to family preferences.
Everything from snacks to toiletries was carefully stocked. While the setting changed, the luxury didn’t vanish. Barron adjusted quickly.
He attended elite private schools
Barron enrolled at St. Andrew’s Episcopal School in Maryland in 2017. The tuition hovered around $40,000 per year.
The school emphasized psychology-based education and strong academics.
Later, after moving to Florida, he attended Oxbridge Academy. He graduated in 2024.
He took classmates on a white house field trip
Barron once invited about 80 classmates to the White House. The trip included a tour, lunch, and a meeting with the president.
Secret Service agents escorted the group throughout the visit.
The students even stayed overnight in Washington. It was no ordinary school outing.
He became a soccer standout
Barron joined D.C. United’s under-12 team as a midfielder. Players and coaches praised his knowledge of the game.
His passion for soccer became widely known. Melania later said he was “all into sports.” Soccer remained his favorite.
Football was off-limits at home
Donald Trump publicly discouraged Barron from playing football.
He cited safety concerns and long-term injuries. Trump called the sport dangerous despite improved equipment.
The stance stood out given football’s popularity. Soccer was a safer alternative.
He endured online bullying
Barron became a target of cruel online comments while still a child. One widely criticized tweet from an SNL writer sparked outrage.
Chelsea Clinton publicly defended him.
The incident renewed calls to protect presidential children. It highlighted the darker side of public life.
He tested positive for covid-19
Barron contracted COVID-19 in 2020 along with his parents. Melania said he showed no symptoms.
The family quarantined together in the White House. Barron later tested negative. Donald praised his son’s recovery.
He skipped his father’s farewell speech
Barron was notably absent from Donald Trump’s 2021 farewell address. While the rest of the family attended, he stayed out of sight.
His absence drew media attention. Barron did, however, leave Washington on Air Force One. The reason for skipping the speech was never explained.
