NY Republican Forced To Resign Over Comments About Barron Trump

The president of New York University’s College Republicans was forced to resign after controversial remarks about Barron Trump sparked backlash—only for the organization to turn around and invite the president’s son to join its ranks.

Kaya Walker, who led NYU’s chapter of the College Republicans of America (CRA), stepped down Monday after her comments about 18-year-old Barron Trump, a freshman at the university, were published by Vanity Fair.

In the interview, Walker reportedly referred to Barron as “sort of like an oddity on campus,” adding, “He goes to class, he goes home.”

The remarks drew swift criticism from conservatives who saw them as dismissive and out of step with the movement’s support for the Trump family. While Walker insisted her words were taken out of context, CRA leadership reviewed the situation and accepted her resignation.

In a statement, CRA said that Walker’s comments did not reflect the values of the organization. “Though Vanity Fair and The Independent unfairly framed what was said, upon review, we still found it to be inappropriate,” CRA said in a press release. “The NYU chapter President submitted her resignation last night.”

The group also reassured members that it was working to ensure a “smooth transition in leadership” while reaffirming its commitment to the conservative movement.

“CRA broke with 100 years of precedent when we endorsed President Trump, being the first national College Republican organization to endorse a candidate before the beginning of the primary season. CRA proceeded to make more than one million voter contacts throughout the primary and general elections, sending hundreds of our students wherever the Trump campaign needed them,” the statement continued.

CRA President Will Donahue used the incident to make a bold move—offering Barron Trump an invitation to join the College Republicans of America.

In response to recent events with our NYU chapter, College Republicans of America formally invites Barron Trump to join us in reshaping the Republican Party. https://t.co/ydxk0gVC9x pic.twitter.com/P56fNsFqyU

— College Republicans of America (@uscollegegop) February 17, 2025

“Barron Trump represents the future of the conservative movement, and we would be honored to have him join College Republicans of America,” Donahue said. “Strong leadership is built on resilience, courage, and the humility to rise above petty hostility—qualities that Barron has already demonstrated. We invite Barron to join us in shaping the future of our party.”

The invitation signals the GOP’s continued interest in the youngest Trump, whose presence at NYU has drawn significant public attention. Despite his father’s political fame, Barron has largely stayed out of the spotlight, making his college experience a topic of speculation.

“He’s studying business at Stern,” a source said to PEOPLE in December regarding Barron. “He definitely has a way with the ladies; he’s quite popular among them.”

The insider also shared, “He’s tall and handsome. Many find him attractive — that includes people from liberal circles as well.”

At 18, Barron played a strategic role in his father’s 2024 campaign by advising him to engage younger voters through popular online platforms and podcasts, which contributed to Trump’s improved performance among Gen Z.

For now, the ball is in Barron’s court.