Donald and Melania Trump seem to have differing parenting approaches when it comes to their only child, Barron Trump. A body language expert examined how the couple’s contrasting styles influenced their family dynamic. 

Donald and Melania have at times disagreed on how to raise their 19-year-old son, often causing tension. Barron used to stay with his parents at Mar-a-Lago in Florida, but now lives at Trump Tower in New York City, while studying at NYU’s Stern School of Business. 

Body language expert Judi James claimed the couple’s actions depict a clear contrast in how they approach their child. James said the president appears comfortable showcasing his son publicly. He often shows off pride and endorsement gestures. 

As per the Irish Star, James felt “Trump’s body language signals with his son Barron suggest he is a bit of a Lion King papa.” The president often presents his son as “chip of the old block,” symbolizing family legacy. 

On the other hand, the first lady adopts a protective, nurturing approach, usually safeguarding Barron from the public eye. 

James noticed how Trump appears performative and prideful when photographed with his youngest son. Melania, by contrast, continues to shield her son. It’s like Barron mirrors his father’s confident public stance while leaning on his mother for private support. 

As Barron gets older, Trump tends to stand him directly in front of himself, clutching both his shoulders. “The clasp allows the young Barron to adopt a similar, upright with slightly splayed legs pose as his dad.”

In a resurfaced video from 2015, the president can be seen firmly instructing his young son to get all A’s. He further instructs him to avoid tattoos, cigarettes, alcohol, and drugs. His parenting approach aligns with his fierce, demanding public persona focused on achievement. 

“Finally, once Barron grows taller, and those ‘stabilizer’ hands come off, Trump appears to display confidence in his son.” As he grants him his body language independence.

James emphasized how Barron can be seen walking with his parents in a very grown-up, adult mode. She continued, “Trump walks with Melania’s hand clasped in his own while Barron strides out alongside his mother.”

These contrasting parenting styles may have led to disagreements and clashes behind the scenes. Political observers reacted with surprise when the president made an unusual comment about his son at one of the recent White House events.

While speaking about Melania’s most recent project, the 79-year-old president ended his note with, “She loves children. She’s got a wonderful boy. And she’s very proud of her boy.”

Critics were quick to note how Donald referred to Barron as Melania’s son rather than theirs. 

 Melania seemed to be quite protective of her son’s privacy, prioritizing his emotional well-being. A White House source once revealed to Rob Shuter how she disapproves of public exposure of Barron’s private moments. She allegedly “exploded” over Pastor Stuart Knechtle’s comments about his son, citing breach of privacy. 

Melania had kept Barron out of the limelight during Donald’s presidency, focusing on his privacy and schooling. This trend continued until Barron turned 18 in March 2024. 

Juggling his father’s high expectations and his mother’s protective nature, Barron is currently leading a private college life. He maintains a low-key social life while communicating mainly through video games. He reportedly keeps an apolitical stance.