Former First Lady Melania Trump has expressed her love for New York City, coinciding with her son Barron's upcoming start of college in the state.
According to USA TODAY, Melania shared a heartfelt message about the city on social media, calling it her "home" 28 years after she first arrived.
On August 27, 2024, Melania Trump posted a photo of the New York City skyline on X (formerly Twitter), accompanied by a touching tribute to the city. The post quickly gained traction, amassing nearly 3 million views and 38,000 likes within a day. This rare public statement from the former first lady comes as her son, Barron Trump, prepares to begin his college journey in New York.
Melania Trump's connection to New York City dates back to 1996, when she moved there to pursue her modeling career. Two years later, she met Donald Trump at a New York fashion party, setting the stage for their future together. The couple became engaged in 2004 and tied the knot in 2005.
In 2006, Melania gave birth to Barron Trump in Manhattan, further cementing their ties to the city. For much of Barron's childhood, Melania raised him at Trump Tower in Manhattan, alternating with time spent at Mar-a-Lago in Palm Beach, Florida.
When Donald Trump assumed the presidency in 2017, Melania and Barron initially remained in New York for five months to allow Barron to complete his school year. This decision underscored the family's strong connection to the city.
While former President Donald Trump has confirmed that Barron has chosen a college in New York, the specific institution remains undisclosed. In an August 20, 2024 interview with the New York Post, Trump mentioned that an official announcement about Barron's college choice would be made soon.
Speculation has surrounded potential universities, including New York University (NYU), Cornell University, and Columbia University. However, as of August 29, 2024, Barron's name did not appear in the student directories of these institutions, according to reports.
The Trump family has maintained a high level of privacy regarding Barron's education and future plans. This discretion extends to his absence from the 2024 Republican National Convention, where he was the only immediate family member not in attendance.
Melania Trump's recent social media post about New York marks a departure from her typically low profile during her husband's third presidential campaign. Her public appearances have been notably scarce compared to the 2016 and 2020 elections.
Her last public appearance in support of Donald Trump's campaign was on July 18, 2024, at the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Although she did not deliver a speech, Melania was present in the Trump family box and joined her husband on stage after his acceptance of the Republican nomination.
Melania Trump said:
New York City captivated my heart the moment I arrived, 28 years ago today. This electrifying town isn't just my home; it's a colorful canvas where dreams come alive. New York's iconic skyline and vibrant culture inspire me every day.
Melania Trump's recent social media post highlights her enduring connection to New York City. As Barron Trump prepares to start college in the state, the family's ties to New York seem to be strengthening. While details about Barron's specific college choice remain private, the Trumps continue to navigate the balance between public interest and personal privacy. Melania's expression of love for New York adds a personal touch to this transitional period for the family.
