A student leader at New York University has stepped down from her position following backlash over comments she made about Barron Trump, the 18-year-old son of former President Donald Trump. The incident has sparked debate within conservative circles and beyond.
Kaya Walker, who previously served as president of NYU’s College Republicans chapter, faced pressure to resign after her remarks about Barron surfaced in a Vanity Fair interview. During the conversation, she referred to him as “sort of like an oddity on campus,” noting that “he goes to class, he goes home.” While her comments may have seemed harmless to some, they were widely criticized for singling out the former president’s son in a way many deemed unnecessary and intrusive.
The College Republicans of America (CRA) responded with a statement acknowledging the media’s role in amplifying the controversy but asserting that Walker’s remarks were “inappropriate” and did not align with the organization’s values. To further reinforce their stance, CRA President Will Donahue took an unexpected step—publicly inviting Barron Trump to join the College Republicans of America.
“Barron Trump represents the future of the conservative movement, and we would be honored to have him join the College Republicans of America,” Donahue announced on social media, emphasizing that leadership requires resilience, courage, and humility—qualities he believes Barron has already demonstrated.
This invitation comes as the CRA recently made history by endorsing Donald Trump’s re-election campaign, mobilizing student volunteers in key battleground states. The organization reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Trump’s candidacy, calling it a central pillar of their movement.
The controversy surrounding Walker’s comments coincides with growing public interest in Barron Trump’s college life. Since enrolling at NYU’s Stern School of Business in the fall, he has maintained a low-profile presence despite being a subject of curiosity on and off campus. According to sources, he commutes from Trump Tower with Secret Service protection, which limits his participation in typical student activities.
Walker’s remarks, while possibly intended to highlight the unusual nature of Barron’s college experience, were met with swift criticism. Her resignation underscores the intense scrutiny surrounding the Trump family and the complexities of political discourse, even within ideological groups.
As for Barron, he has yet to respond to Donahue’s invitation to join the College Republicans. However, his presence at NYU continues to draw intrigue, with many wondering if he will eventually take on a more public role in the conservative movement.