Melania Trump is denying rumors that her son, Barron Trump, was rejected by Harvard University, saying he never applied.
“Barron did not apply to Harvard, and any assertion that he, or that anyone on his behalf, applied is completely false,” said Nick Clemens, spokesperson for the Office of the First Lady, according to USA Today.
The denial comes as Donald Trump ramps up his war against Harvard. The president is furious the school refused to follow his executive orders targeting its curriculum. He’s now pulling the plug on federal contracts worth around $100 million, according to The New York Times.
At the center of the storm are claims from critics wondering if this fight is personal. After Trump’s latest attacks, Democratic Senator Sheldon Whitehouse posted on social media: “Can’t help but wonder how many Trumps got rejected by Harvard.” The comment racked up over 40,000 views.
But the White House says there’s no story here, claiming Barron never even tried.
Trump himself had already spoken publicly about Barron’s college plans. At a July 2024 rally in Florida, he said: “He’s now going to college, got into every college he wanted to. He made his choice and he is a very good guy.”
So, where did Barron go? The president’s son just wrapped up his first year at New York University’s Stern School of Business. He’s on track to graduate in 2028.
Meanwhile, Trump’s clash with Harvard is only getting uglier. The president is accusing elite schools of allowing antisemitism on campus during protests over the war in Gaza. He’s demanding they eliminate diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs and crack down on students he claims are “hostile to American values.”
Harvard pushed back. In return, Trump is even threatening to strip the school of its tax-exempt status. A recent attempt by the administration to block international students from enrolling at the university was stopped by a federal judge.
Harvard has not publicly commented on the accusations or the contract cancellations. But Trump shows no signs of backing down — and now, his own family is getting dragged into the fight.
