Donald Trump reveals four golden parenting rules he gave to his children, including son Barron
In a candid interview on the “Pod Force One” podcast with New York Post columnist Miranda Devine, former President Donald Trump shared the four golden rules of parenting that he has instilled in his children, including his youngest son, Barron, who is now 19 and completing his first year at New York University (NYU).
These rules, which Trump describes as his “formula for good parenting,” provide a rare glimpse into the values he prioritizes for his family, blending strict guidelines with a focus on personal success and well-being.
The Four Golden Rules
Trump’s parenting philosophy centers around four key prohibitions, which he has consistently emphasized for his five children:
| Rule Number | Rule Description | Additional Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | No drugs | Reflects Trump’s emphasis on a healthy, disciplined lifestyle. |
| 2 | No alcohol | Influenced by his brother Fred Trump Jr.’s struggle with alcoholism. |
| 3 | No cigarettes | Promotes a smoke-free environment for health reasons. |
| 4 | Don’t get tattoos | Not strongly enforced, acknowledging personal choice. |
No Drugs
Trump is unwavering in his stance against drug use, highlighting the importance of a substance-free lifestyle.
This rule underscores his concern for health and discipline, aiming to protect his children from the dangers of addiction.
No Alcohol
Drawing from personal family tragedy, Trump strictly prohibits alcohol consumption. His brother, Fred Trump Jr., struggled with alcoholism, a battle that ended in his death at age 42.
This experience has deeply shaped Trump’s parenting, as he seeks to shield his children from similar struggles.
No Cigarettes
Smoking is another vice Trump forbids, aligning with his emphasis on a healthy, clean lifestyle.
This rule extends his anti-substance message to include tobacco, widely recognized for its health risks.
Don’t Get Tattoos (Gently Advised)
Unlike the other rules, Trump’s stance on tattoos is less rigid.
While he advises against them, he acknowledges that many people choose to get tattoos and does not enforce this rule strongly. It’s more of a preference than a strict prohibition.
These rules were revealed during a candid discussion on parenting and family values in the podcast interview, providing insight into Trump’s approach to raising children in the public eye.
Barron Trump: From Childhood to College
Barron William Trump, born on March 20, 2006, is the only child of Donald and Melania Trump.
Growing up in the public eye, Barron has maintained a relatively low profile compared to his older siblings, thanks in part to his mother’s efforts to shield him from excessive media attention.
Melania has been notably protective, limiting Barron’s exposure to public events and ensuring a degree of normalcy despite his father’s high-profile career as the 45th President of the United States.
Barron completed his high school education at Oxbridge Academy in West Palm Beach, Florida, graduating on May 17, 2024.
He then enrolled at New York University, beginning his freshman year on September 4, 2024.
His decision to attend NYU was influenced by his late grandmother, Amalija Knavs, who had planned to live nearby to support him.
However, Amalija passed away in January 2024 at the age of 78, leaving Barron to navigate his college transition without her presence.
Trump has expressed concerns about the political environment at NYU, warning Barron about potential left-leaning biases among the faculty.
Despite these challenges, Barron has successfully completed his first year at the university, demonstrating resilience and adaptability.
His academic journey aligns with Trump’s emphasis on education, as evidenced by an earlier instance where Trump advised a young Barron to aim for top grades, stating, “I want all A’s,” in a video shared by Reverend Franklin Graham on X.
Trump’s Parenting Style: Strict but Supportive
Trump’s parenting style is a blend of strict guidelines and supportive encouragement.
While he sets clear boundaries regarding substances and body modifications, he also places a strong emphasis on academic excellence.
The aforementioned video, showing Trump advising a five-year-old Barron, highlights his focus on education from an early age.
This approach is consistent across his children; both Trump and his son Donald Trump Jr. attended the University of Pennsylvania, graduating with degrees in economics, while Ivanka Trump studied at Georgetown University before transferring to Penn.
Trump’s rules are not just about prohibition but about guiding his children toward positive life choices.
By emphasizing a substance-free lifestyle and academic achievement, he aims to equip them with the tools for success.
His approach reflects a balance between discipline and nurturing, tailored to the unique challenges of raising children in the spotlight.
The influence of his brother’s struggles with alcoholism adds a personal dimension to his strict stance on alcohol, making it a cornerstone of his parenting philosophy.
Family Context and Broader Parenting Approach
Donald Trump has five children from three marriages: Donald Jr., Ivanka, and Eric from his first marriage to Ivana Trump; Tiffany from his second marriage to Marla Maples; and Barron from his current marriage to Melania Trump.
While each child has been raised with similar values, Barron’s upbringing has been notably more private.
Melania’s protective stance has allowed Barron to experience a degree of normalcy, despite his father’s high-profile career.
Trump’s parenting rules are not exclusive to Barron but apply to all his children.
In the podcast interview, he referred to these rules as part of his overall “formula for good parenting,” indicating a consistent approach across his family.
This consistency underscores Trump’s belief in the universality of these principles, regardless of his children’s individual paths.
The public has seen glimpses of Barron at various events, such as White House appearances during Trump’s presidency, but he has largely remained out of the spotlight.
His siblings, particularly Donald Jr., Ivanka, and Eric, have taken on more public roles, often involved in their father’s business and political endeavors.
Tiffany, while less prominent, has also appeared at public events.
Barron’s reserved nature contrasts with his siblings’ visibility, reflecting Melania’s influence in prioritizing his privacy.
Historical Context of the Rules
The four rules are not a recent development but part of Trump’s long-standing parenting approach.
A throwback video, initially shared by CNN and later posted on X by Reverend Franklin Graham, shows Trump imparting these rules to a young Barron, emphasizing a clean lifestyle and academic excellence.
The video, which gained attention online, underscores the consistency of Trump’s parenting philosophy over the years.
This earlier instance highlights that Trump’s rules have been a guiding force in Barron’s upbringing from childhood.
The re-emergence of these rules in the recent podcast interview suggests that Trump continues to view them as relevant, particularly as Barron navigates the challenges of college life.
Public Perception and Broader Implications
Trump’s parenting rules have sparked interest among the public, offering a humanizing perspective on a figure often seen through a political lens.
While some may view the rules as strict, others may see them as practical, given the high-profile nature of the Trump family.
The emphasis on avoiding substances resonates with broader societal concerns about health and addiction, while the relaxed stance on tattoos reflects an acknowledgment of modern cultural trends.
Barron’s adherence to these rules is not publicly documented, as he maintains a low profile.
However, his successful completion of his first year at NYU suggests he is navigating his college years with discipline, aligning with the values his father has instilled.
The rules also reflect a broader trend among public figures to set clear boundaries for their children, balancing personal freedom with the pressures of public life.
By prioritizing a substance-free lifestyle and academic excellence, Trump aims to guide his children, including Barron, toward healthy and successful futures.
As Barron continues his education at NYU, these principles will likely remain a cornerstone of his upbringing, shaping his choices and priorities.
The rules, rooted in personal family experiences and a commitment to discipline, underscore Trump’s approach to parenting in the public eye.
