Inside Barron Trump’s close bond with his grandfather Viktor Knavs

Barron Trump, now a college student, continues to share a deep and personal bond with his grandfather Viktor Knavs — a connection rooted in family, culture, and love.

Barron Trump, the youngest child of former U.S. President Donald Trump and former First Lady Melania Trump, has always lived a life unlike most others his age. Born into extreme wealth, fame, and political controversy, Barron has spent most of his life in the spotlight — though quietly and often on the sidelines.

He grew up in Trump Tower in New York City, where he reportedly had an entire floor to himself, and later lived in the White House while his father served as President. Despite the grandeur, Barron’s childhood was marked by tight security and a private lifestyle, which likely limited his social experiences and sense of normalcy.

“Barron is an old soul… smart, well-read, and well-spoken,” a source told People magazine. They also shared that his mother’s European roots — and especially the influence of her parents — deeply shaped his personality.

A grandmother’s love and a grandfather’s guidance

Barron’s connection to his grandparents, especially on his mother’s side, was always strong. Amalija and Viktor Knavs, originally from Slovenia, were central figures in his early life. Melania’s demanding schedule as First Lady often meant that Amalija acted as a “second mother.”

Melania once said her mother “moved to the United States to be close to Barron,” adding, “Once he was born, he was her focus.” That bond made Amalija’s passing in January 2024 a major emotional blow for the Trump family.

Still, Viktor Knavs, Barron’s grandfather, remains a constant source of comfort. Sources close to the family describe the pair as “extremely close,” often seen walking together around Mar-a-Lago before Barron left for New York University.

Despite growing up in the public eye, Barron has managed to keep most of his personal life hidden. He has never given a public interview and rarely appears at events without his family. His presence at political functions is limited, and even social media reveals little about his day-to-day life.

After moving to NYU, there’s been renewed interest in his social life — including rumors about romantic relationships. Model Klara Jones and NYU classmate Maria Arana have both been linked to Barron by media outlets, though neither relationship has been confirmed.

When asked about Barron possibly having a girlfriend, Donald Trump admitted on a podcast, “I’m not sure he’s there yet,” describing his son as someone who enjoys solitude but gets along well with others.

One of the most unique parts of Barron’s upbringing is the influence of his Slovenian heritage. Melania raised her son to be bilingual, and he spoke Slovenian with his grandparents growing up. Videos of young Barron speaking with a Slovenian accent have resurfaced over the years, offering rare glimpses into his childhood.

During their time at the White House, Amalija and Viktor often lived with the family, sometimes even confusing Secret Service agents by speaking Slovenian among themselves.

“They were instrumental in raising him,” a source told CBS, highlighting the close-knit family dynamic of Barron, Melania, and her parents. Even after Amalija’s passing, Viktor continues to spend much of his time in Melania’s private quarters, staying out of the spotlight but close to his grandson.

As Barron steps into adulthood, questions linger about what path he’ll choose. Will he follow in his father’s political footsteps, or carve out a life far from the public eye?

For now, he remains grounded — thanks in part to the strong family unit that helped raise him. His grandfather Viktor, though grieving the loss of his wife, still plays a vital role in Barron’s life, offering love, stability, and a connection