Barron Trump Shifts NYU Studies to Washington, D.C.

15 September 2025

Barron Trump, 19-year-old son of President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump, is starting the fall 2025 semester at New York University’s Washington, D.C. campus, having transferred from its flagship Manhattan location. The move was confirmed after questions arose when he was missing from NYU’s main campus at the start of term.

During his freshman year Barron had been commuting from Trump Tower in Manhattan to NYU’s Stern School of Business. As the semester began, however, his absence from the New York campus caught attention. A source with knowledge of his plans told People that Barron is now enrolled at NYU’s smaller D.C. campus. That site is near the White House and serves roughly one hundred students, focusing on disciplines such as politics, policy, journalism and leadership.

It is not yet clear where Barron is living while pursuing studies in D.C. His family has not publicly confirmed whether he intends to return to the NYC campus after this semester. What is known is that this move allows for proximity to his parents and home base at the White House.

His mother Melania Trump is described by sources as being closely involved in his welfare during this transition. She reportedly “watches Barron constantly” ensuring that he remains safe and avoiding the kinds of negative attention that can come with being a public figure’s child. These concerns are magnified by the family’s visibility and the scrutiny that continually follows them.

Over the summer Barron kept a low profile. He spent time cultivating business interests and being with close family. A source told People that he is not focused on dating right now. His priorities appear to be academic work and planning for his own career path.

NYU’s D.C. campus is far smaller than its New York flagship. The academic offerings are specialized with an emphasis on experiential learning in government, policy directed fields, journalism, and leadership. The cost of tuition for undergraduates at that campus is about $32,811 for the semester. Housing may add over $9,500 depending on the situation.

Some of the shift reflects practical considerations. Being based in D.C gives Barron closer proximity to his parents and possibly more flexibility for family matters. For Melania Trump maintaining his safety and oversight has been a consistent concern. She has in past years ensured his living arrangements allowed her to monitor his environment especially in the early stages of his college life.

While details remain minimal Barron’s academic year looks different from what many may have initially expected. Transitioning campuses at this stage, adjusting to a new environment, and balancing family expectations with public attention appears to be part of his plans. The move has raised questions from the public and media about what role privacy, safety, and visibility should play for someone in his position.

For Barron this semester at NYU’s D.C. campus may offer new opportunities. Being in the nation’s capital presents chances for internships, exposure to policy institutions, and connections that may align with his areas of interest. This setting could influence what kind of career path he pursues. It remains to be seen whether he will return to New York’s campus or whether this adjustment is longer lasting.

Even so the transfer underscores a broader story about growing up in the public eye. As he moves into the sophomore year of college Barron seems to be aligning his study environment with family needs, career ambition, and publicity pressures. What looks like a simple campus change carries weight for what is expected from the son of a high-profile political figure.