Melania Trump ‘Constantly’ Worries About Barron as He Begins Sophomore Year: ‘She Always Knows Where He Is’

Melania Trump continues to keep a close watch on her only son, Barron Trump, as he heads into his second year of college.

A political source tells PEOPLE that the first lady has dedicated much of her attention to Barron — focusing on his social life and overall well-being while he studies at New York University’s Stern School of Business.

“Melania watches Barron constantly in an effort to be sure nobody messes with him or bullies him, as this is a constant worry with her,” the source says. “She always knows where he is and what he’s doing.”

Barron began classes at NYU in September 2024, stepping into college life as the son of a president in the middle of Donald Trump’s third campaign for the White House.

His first year coincided with his father’s election victory in November and the January 2025 inauguration, while also bringing the usual social and academic challenges faced by freshmen.

In December 2024, a source told PEOPLE that Melania had chosen not to place Barron in campus housing. Instead, Donald’s youngest son has been living at Trump Tower in Midtown Manhattan.

“She will do everything she can to make sure Barron does well in school and is socially and mentally adjusted to his life as a college student,” the source explained, noting that dorm life was not “in the stars” for Barron “at this point.”

That same month, another source said Barron was adapting well socially at NYU, despite the political backdrop and New York City’s heavily Democratic leanings.

“He’s tall and handsome,” the source said. “A lot of people seem to think he’s pretty attractive — yes, even liberal people like him.”

Though Melania remains deeply involved in her son’s life, she also keeps her own projects moving forward.

“Melania is quiet and behind the scenes but always busy with something she is pursuing herself,” the source tells PEOPLE, adding that she spent her summer dividing time between New York City, New Jersey, and Washington.

Recently, she has been working on a documentary, scheduled for release later in 2025 through Amazon Prime Video.

She also made headlines in August after writing a personal letter to Russian President Vladimir Putin, urging him to end the war in Ukraine and protect innocent children caught in the conflict.

The source notes the move was “not a departure for her,” saying, “It’s an issue close to her heart. She will always speak out when she feels it.”