Barron Trump is celebrating his birthday as New York University prepares for spring break, marking the end of a chaotic year for the college’s most famous attendee.
The youngest son of President Donald Trump turned 19 on Thursday, March 20, but sources tell PEOPLE that the aspiring businessman has “seen a lot” compared to his college-aged peers.
Barron is the only child of the president and his third wife, Melania Trump, who was largely hidden from the spotlight before graduating high school in May. Though he remains less visible than his much-older siblings, those in the Trump family’s orbit have had more opportunities to get to know the first son amid his father’s political comeback.
One social source tells PEOPLE that Barron is “an old soul who is smart, well-spoken and well-read.”
“He has lived through experiences others his age haven’t,” the source continues, suggesting that the European influence from his mother and maternal grandparents deserve some credit. “He is well-grounded, he has seen a lot and he knows who he is.”
Melania was raised by her parents, Viktor and Amalija Knavs, in what is now Slovenia, and the source attributes that to Barron’s “old world manners.”
A Palm Beach source, who is European, tells PEOPLE that Barron “has more characteristics of a European than an American.”
“He isn’t as aggressive as many of his age when they are in their own social circles. He is someone who listens before talking, and is super polite,” the European source adds.
The NYU freshman was still raised as a Trump, however, and the first source notes that he sometimes harnesses his father’s personality for “schmoozing” and “small talk.”
A political source adds that while it’s possible Barron would eventually be interested in following his father into politics, at the moment, “Barron is anxious to form his own companies and make money.”
“He shares that enthusiasm with his father, which comes as no surprise,” that source says. “Barron, in my opinion, knows what he wants.”
During Donald’s first term, Barron was mostly kept out of the spotlight to have as normal a childhood as possible. He emerged from the shadows during the 2024 presidential election, standing at 6 feet, 7 inches tall.
Barron attended his first political rally for his father’s campaign in July 2024, where the president praised his son in front of the crowd.
“You’re pretty popular, he might be more popular than Don and Eric,” Donald said. “So Barron, it’s good to have you. [He’s] had such a nice, easy life. Now, it’s a little bit changed.”
As for his schooling, sources tell PEOPLE that Barron — who travels with a Secret Service detail — largely keeps to himself at NYU, where he studies at the Stern School of Business.
“Barron is focused on his studies and doesn’t seem terribly out of place,” another source says. “He seems to have a button down collar mentality when he’s in the public eye.”
While the first son broke tradition by not attending the University of Pennsylvania or Georgetown like his father or half-siblings, it’s possible Barron felt most comfortable in New York City, having grown up for most of his life at Trump Tower in Midtown Manhattan.
“Once he goes out in the world and makes his own mark people will have a better idea of who he really is,” a Miami political source notes. “Now his parents have a big influence on him.”
In a September 2024 interview with Fox News, Melania said that it had been Barron’s idea to go to school in New York and continue living in the family’s penthouse.
“It was his decision to come here, that he wants to be in New York and study in New York and live in his home, and I respect that,” she said.
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She went on to call her son an “incredible young man,” adding, “I’m very proud of what he grew up to. His strength. His intelligence. His knowledge, his kindness. It’s admirable.”
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