Barron Trump is being praised online for initiating handshakes with former President Joe Biden and former Vice President Kamala Harris during the inauguration of his father President Donald Trump on Monday.
Why It Matters
Barron, the youngest son of the president, was present while his 78-year-old father was inaugurated as the 47th president during a ceremony in the Capitol rotunda on Monday.
The 18-year-old Trump’s gesture towards Biden and Harris prompted a flurry of comments about his potential future political ambitions, which is already a frequent topic of speculation.
Barron Trump gestures after being acknowledged by his father U.S. President Donald Trump during the inaugural parade inside Capital One Arena, in Washington, D.C., on January 20, 2025. He shook hands with Joe Biden on Inauguration Day.
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ANGELA WEISS/AFP/Getty Images
What To Know
Just after Donald Trump was sworn into his second term by Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts, Barron Trump could be seen approaching Biden and Harris and shaking their hands while exchanging a few words with his father’s presidential successor and predecessor. While it is unclear what was said, the exchange appeared to be friendly, with Biden smiling widely while they grasped hands.
Following the gesture, the younger Trump walked a few feet and appeared to have a brief conversation with his mother, first lady Melania Trump. Clips of the handshakes were quickly shared on social media, prompting some Trump supporters to suggest that Barron would one day follow in his father’s footsteps by becoming president himself.
Newsweek reached out for comment to the White House via email on Monday.
What People Are Saying
Conservative influencer Nick Sortor, in a post to X, formerly Twitter: “Barron Trump just shook hands with Joe Biden and Kamala Harris. This kid will be our President one day. Bet on it.”
-Kimberly Ross, a conservative columnist and contributor to The Washington Examinerwhile sharing a video clip of the moment on X: “Barron Trump shaking hands with Biden and Harris is a very classy act.”
Conservative reporter Taylor Hansen, on X: “Looks like Barron Trump just went out of his way to shake both Joe’s and Kamala’s hand. Seems like a very respectful young man with all things considered.”
Joshua Charles, an ex-speechwriter for former Vice President Mike Pence, on X: “Class act, Barron. Class act. Magnanimity is a forgotten virtue.”
Pro-Trump influencer “Johnny MAGA,” on X: “Barron Trump just approached Biden and Kamala to extend handshakes. WOW.”
Jeff Storobinsky, an educator and analyst, on X: “Correct me if I am wrong, but did only 1 son (Barron) do the right thing in shaking the hands of Former President Biden and former VP Kamala Harris ?”
What Happens Next
It is not clear that Barron Trump currently has any ambitions to follow in his father’s footsteps by launching a political career. He is currently a freshman college student studying at New York University’s Stern School of Business.
