NYU college GOP president resigns after backlash over Barron Trump ‘oddity’ remark

The president of the New York University College Republicans has resigned following backlash over her comments referring to Barron Trump as “an oddity” on campus.

Kaya Walker, an International Relations and French major, made the remark in a Vanity Fair profile about the 19-year-old NYU freshman. The article described Barron as keeping a low profile, often staying in his dorm but occasionally playing soccer and video games with classmates.

During the interview, Walker stated, “He’s sort of like an oddity on campus. He goes to class, he goes home.”

Her words quickly sparked controversy. The College Republicans of America issued a statement condemning the remark as “inappropriate” and inconsistent with the organization’s values, though they also criticized Vanity Fair for what they saw as an unfair portrayal. In response, Walker stepped down, and the NYU College Republicans announced her resignation on Sunday.

Following Walker’s departure, College Republicans of America President Will Donahue extended an invitation to Barron Trump, encouraging him to join the organization and take a leadership role.

"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."

It remains unclear whether Barron will accept the invitation. Meanwhile, the NYU College Republicans are actively searching for new leadership to ensure a smooth transition.

Walker, a New England native with prior experience interning at the Bronx District Attorney’s Office, had planned to attend law school, according to the Daily Mail.

Barron Trump has long drawn public curiosity due to his reclusive nature. He made a rare public appearance on stage with his father during a recent victory speech, fueling speculation about his social life. Some classmates describe him as preferring to stay in his room rather than engaging with fellow students.

President Donald Trump recently addressed speculation about his son’s personal life in an October interview on the PBD Podcast. When asked whether Barron was “good with the ladies” at NYU, Trump responded, “No, I don’t think he’s had a girlfriend yet. I don’t think so.”

The College Republicans of America have been vocal in their support for President Trump, even breaking a century-old precedent by endorsing him ahead of the Republican primary.

In their statement, the group reaffirmed, “Our support for President Trump is, and has been, a pillar of our organization.”