NYU College Republicans President Steps Down After Comments on Barron Trump

The president of the New York University College Republicans has resigned following remarks she made about Barron Trump, the youngest son of former President Donald Trump, characterizing him as an “oddity on campus.”

Kaya Walker, who led the NYU College Republicans, commented in an interview with Vanity Fair last week. Describing Barron Trump, a freshman at NYU, she remarked, “He’s sort of like an oddity on campus; he goes to class, he goes home.” Walker also mentioned that one of her professors joked that Barron “doesn’t belong here,” alluding to NYU’s traditionally left-leaning political climate.

Her comments sparked controversy, prompting a response from the College Republicans of America (CRA). In a statement released Monday, the organization distanced itself from Walker’s remarks, stating that her words “do not reflect the values and principles upheld by our organization.” Although the CRA criticized media coverage of her statements, it maintained that the remarks were “inappropriate.”

“We are working closely with the NYU chapter to ensure a seamless transition in leadership,” the statement continued. “Our goal is to reaffirm CRA’s commitment to Republican ideals and the conservative movement in a way that upholds the integrity of our organization and its mission.”

Earlier this year, the organization broke a century-long tradition by endorsing Donald Trump ahead of the Republican primaries. “Our unwavering support for President Trump has been, and continues to be, a cornerstone of our organization,” the CRA emphasized.

Despite stepping down, Walker has not publicly addressed her resignation or the backlash her comments received. Meanwhile, in a move signaling a desire to mend relations, the College Republicans invited Barron Trump to join their ranks.

“Barron Trump represents the future of the conservative movement, and we would be honored to have him as a member of College Republicans of America,” CRA President Will Donahue said in a statement. “True leadership is built on resilience, courage, and the ability to rise above unnecessary hostility—qualities Barron has already demonstrated. We welcome him to help shape the future of our party.”

Walker was not the only student who spoke to Vanity Fair about Barron Trump. Another student shared an anecdote about inviting him to play basketball, recalling that Barron appeared interested but seemed restricted by the presence of his plainclothes Secret Service detail. Social media influencer Maria Arana, an NYU student, noted that while she hadn’t personally seen Barron on campus, she has observed a shift in political discussions among students, with many choosing to keep their views private.

Public curiosity about Barron Trump has remained high despite his low profile. Over the years, various public figures have shared glimpses into his life. In October, Eric Trump described him as “probably the most watched bachelor in the world.” Billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk mentioned that he and Barron had discussed “consciousness and video games” during Thanksgiving dinner. Additionally, Barron’s tailor has described him as “incredibly knowledgeable, well-versed in history, and fascinating to talk to.”

While Walker’s resignation marks the latest development in the ongoing discussion about Barron Trump’s presence at NYU, it remains to be seen whether he will engage more actively in campus life or in the political landscape moving forward.