As Donald Trump prepares for a historic return to Washington D.C., many are crediting his low-key son Barron as the "secret weapon" to the president-elect's success.
Barron has long been kept out of the political spotlight, with his father first entering the White House when Barron was just a child. Like his mother Melania, he is seen as an enigmatic and silent figure, creating intrigue about his private life and aspirations.
As Barron continues to maintain a low profile, he has been credited with helping to make his father "cool" among young voters who put him over the top in the election.
The college freshman is studying business at New York University, where he is commuting to class from his family's Trump Tower residence.
"It's Barron's mystique that does it," one social media user wrote of his appeal. Another added: "Barron is his dad's secret weapon. He helped him win the votes."
In particular, Barron has been praised for connecting his 78-year-old father with popular "bro" podcasters like Joe Rogan.
"Recognizing the growing influence of online media on younger voters, Barron recommended that his dad embrace new forms of communication, that his dad went on popular podcasts and shows that would resonate with Gen Z and millennial audiences," a source told the Irish Star.
The mounting public interest in Barron comes as his father's approval ratings have surged - with many labeling President-elect Trump "cool" as his famous "Trump dance" is widely adopted in popular culture.
The pro-Trump culture shift has also impacted Barron's popularity, as TikTok remixes featuring a young Slovenian-accented Barron take the internet by storm.
Barron's sister-in-law Lara Trump, the wife of his half-brother Eric, called Barron a significant influence on his father during a recent interview.
“He’s so cool. That’s like the one word I’d use for Barron. He’s very cool. He’s like the sleeper a little bit. He’s kind of stayed out of the spotlight, probably intentionally," she said.
During the campaign, Barron would offer his own ideas on how his father could get votes, Lara said, piling praise on the young, reserved man - who bears a striking resemblance to his father.
“He’s always throwing ideas out there,” Lara said. “We’ve got to give Barron some serious credit.”
"He’s his father’s son, there’s no doubt about it, and he’s going to do really incredible things.”
