"Barron did not apply to Harvard" – Melania Trump responds to rumors about Barron’s college search

On May 27, 2025, First Lady Melania Trump’s office stated to clear up a circulating claim. A spokesperson, Nicholas Clemens, said,

“Barron did not apply to Harvard, and any assertion that he, or that anyone on his behalf, applied is completely false.”

This statement was meant to stop the story that the Trump family had tried to send Barron to Harvard and was turned away.

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How the rumor started on social media

Over the past few weeks, posts on X and Facebook suggested that Barron Trump had been rejected by Harvard. Some messages claimed that the President's tough actions against Harvard were personal because his son supposedly failed to get in.

These posts often quoted unnamed “insiders” or linked to blogs without proof. In truth, there is no record, official or otherwise, that Barron ever applied to Harvard. The rumor spread quickly because it fit a simple story about family drama and politics.

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Link between federal cuts and the Harvard claim

Earlier in 2025, the Trump administration announced it would withdraw over $3.2 billion in federal grants and contracts from Harvard University. The White House said this was due to concerns over campus policies on admissions, diversity programs, and handling of antisemitism.

Harvard challenged the move in court, and the debate became a major news item. Critics argued that these steps were harsh and possibly without full justification. Soon after, the false claim about Barron’s application arose, suggesting the funding cuts were driven by personal motives rather than policy concerns.

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Where Barron Trump is studying instead

According to a report in the New York Post, Barron is a student at New York University (NYU). He graduated from Oxbridge Academy in Florida in May 2024 and started his freshman year at NYU’s Stern School of Business in September 2024.

He will work toward a business degree and is expected to finish in 2028. This path shows his own choice of school, separate from any Ivy League rumors. There is no link between his studies and the actions taken by the White House against Harvard.

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Why correcting this matter is important

This situation highlights how quickly false information can spread online, especially when it involves well-known families and politics. People may accept a simple story that explains a complex issue, like government funding decisions, without checking the facts.

By issuing a clear statement, Melania Trump’s office aimed to stop the spread of untrue claims and guide attention back to real policy discussions about federal support for universities and campus rules.

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What to remember when reading online news

When you see surprising claims on social media, it is helpful to look for official statements or reliable news outlets. Check whether the story names credible sources and provides evidence.

If a story links two events, such as a student application and government policy, ask whether there is proof for that connection. In this case, a family spokesperson directly denied the rumor, and Barron’s actual college choice is well documented. This simple step can help everyone share more accurate information.

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