JUST IN: Trump Gets Pleasant Surprise In NYC Trial

Former President Donald Trump will get some much-needed family time as a result of a surprise decision by the judge in his hush money trial.

The Republican was present for Tuesday morning proceedings in a Manhattan court where Judge Juan Merchan ruled that he may attend his son Barron’s graduation from high school on May 17th. The decision comes one week after Trump’s request was largely waved away by Merchan, who has threatened the former president with consequences if he does not arrive in court for each day of his trial.

Judge Merchan takes the bench and advises that Trump can attend Barron’s graduation on May 17th.

— Katie Phang (@KatiePhang) April 30, 2024

Son Eric Trump, Jr. accompanied his father in court, according to MSNBC reporter Katie Phang. Both will hear testimony today from former Trump attorney and fixer Michael Cohen, who ultimately paid adult film star Stormy Daniels $130,000 to settle allegations of an affair months before the 2016 election. Court observers will be watching to see whether Judge Merchan allows Trump any additional time off from court. The former president has requested an opportunity to attend the U.S. Supreme Court’s hearings on his immunity plea.

Barron, 18, celebrated his birthday in March with President Trump and former First Lady Melania Trump. While Trump enjoys limited time with his family due to the ongoing trial, Melania is believed to be heavily engaged in Barron’s college search and will help him select a university to attend after decision letters arrive in the next few weeks. The only child to his parents, Barron has effectively come of age while his father has been in the national spotlight, either as president or as a candidate. During Trump’s first campaign in 2015, the Republican leader spoke glowingly about his precocious 9-year-old son.

“He has a very good school in New York where he has a lot of friends,” Donald told PEOPLE at the time. “But I tell him if this happens, Daddy will help people, and can help children like him, and that makes him happy. He’s a young boy who is 9 years old and he is strong and smart and he gets it. He sees it.”

Since leaving the White House, Barron has finished his education at Oxbridge Academy in Palm Beach, Florida. He will graduate in May with the class of 2024. A recent report by the Daily Beast revealed that Barron’s first choice for college may be New York University, a decision that may leave his father irate considering his high regard for Ivy League universities like the Wharton School at UPenn, his alma mater.