Barron Trump, the youngest son of former President Donald Trump, has always stayed out of the spotlight. However, a recent viral story claimed that the 18-year-old handed a homeless man a $100 bill and offered him help. Is there any truth to this touching tale, or is it just another internet rumor?
The Viral Story
In December, a YouTube video shared by Elite Stories took the internet by storm. It described a heartwarming encounter where Barron supposedly gave a homeless man $100 after being asked for $1. According to the video, Barron also provided the man with an address where he could receive further help.
The video, titled “Homeless Man asks Barron, ‘Can you give me $1?’ Trump’s response is SHOCKING”, gained nearly 1 million views and sparked praise for Barron’s supposed act of kindness.
But is it too good to be true?
Fact-Checking the Story
Acclaimed fact-checking website Snopes investigated the claim — and found it to be entirely false.
1. Nonexistent Streets: The video narrates that the encounter took place at the corner of Broad Street and 17th Avenue. However, these streets do not exist.
2. Recycled Image: The image of the homeless man in the video was traced back to a 2017 Courier-Journal article about a man named Bryon “Roc” Peeler, not someone named Leonard as the video claims.
3. Fictional Disclaimer: The YouTube channel Elite Stories includes a disclaimer stating that its stories are fictional and created solely for entertainment purposes.
Why the Story Went Viral
Barron Trump has long been a figure of fascination, with his life largely kept private by his mother, Melania Trump. This secrecy, coupled with Barron’s role as the son of one of the world’s most talked-about figures, has fueled public curiosity about him.
In today’s age of social media, rumors can spread like wildfire, with many people choosing to share feel-good stories without verifying their authenticity.
The Real Barron Trump
While this particular story was debunked, Barron Trump has been making headlines for other reasons. As a freshman at New York University’s Stern Business School, he’s carving out his own identity. Sources describe him as “chill,” “handsome,” and “popular with his classmates.”
Even with his father’s high-profile return to politics, Barron is focused on his education and hobbies, such as playing soccer and connecting with friends through online gaming platforms like Discord.
Final Verdict
No, Barron Trump did not give a homeless man $100, despite the heartwarming story circulating online. The viral claim is purely fictional, crafted for entertainment.
However, the attention the story received shows the public’s deep interest in Barron and his life. As he continues his journey at NYU, one thing is clear: Barron Trump remains a figure of intrigue, with or without sensationalized tales.
