Barron Trump Declines Role as Delegate for 2024 Republican National Convention
PHOTO: BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI/GETTY
Barron Trump, the youngest son of former President Donald Trump, has declined an invitation to serve as a delegate for Florida at the upcoming 2024 Republican National Convention. The 18-year-old, named alongside other Trump family members, opted out due to prior commitments.
A statement from Melania Trump’s office on May 10 stated, “While Barron is honored to have been chosen as a delegate by the Florida Republican Party, he regretfully declines to participate due to prior commitments.”
No additional information was provided about these commitments that will prevent Barron from attending the convention in Milwaukee this July. The list of delegates released by Florida Republicans included not only Barron but also his older siblings, Donald Trump Jr., Eric Trump, and Tiffany Trump. Eric Trump was named as the Chair of the state’s delegation.
Other notable Trump associates, such as Kimberly Guilfoyle and Michael Boulos, were also included. Some political analysts speculated that Barron’s inclusion could have been an attempt by the Trump family to establish a political dynasty. Julian Zelizer, a Princeton professor, remarked, “The Trump family might be trying to position themselves as the next dynasty. It signals that they have their eye on the future, that this was not just a one-shot deal.”
However, Barron’s decision to decline the offer did not surprise many. The teenager has mostly remained out of the public eye compared to other members of the Trump family. Melania Trump has been particularly protective, aiming to provide him with a normal life and opposing his exploitation for political purposes. Radar Online reported that she has been “incredibly protective” of Barron.
Despite Barron’s absence, the Republican convention is still expected to be a family affair for the Trumps, serving as a platform for the former President’s 2024 campaign. Donald Trump acknowledged in a recent radio interview that while Barron has shown an interest in politics, he is still a high school senior with college plans. “He’ll tell me sometimes, ‘Dad, this is what you have to do,'” Trump shared, expressing support for his son’s potential political future. “He’s a good guy,” he added, according to The Hill.
Earlier this year, Barron received public support from former First Daughter Chelsea Clinton, who emphasized his right to privacy as a private citizen. She stressed that this right should be respected by the media. Barron’s withdrawal from the RNC delegate role seems to reinforce his desire, or perhaps Melania’s, to maintain that privacy for now.
