President Donald Trump made a notable comment during a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in the Oval Office on Monday, August 18, 2025. He acknowledged that First Lady Melania Trump has a greater affection for their 19-year-old son, Barron, than for him.
Trump’s comment arose while he explained his wife’s decision to write a personal letter to Russian President Vladimir Putin, urging peace in Ukraine. He attributed Melania’s motivation to her profound love for children, especially their son, which led her to address the ongoing conflict directly with the Russian leader.
Trump stated with a laugh: “She’s got a great love of children, she has a wonderful son that she loves probably more than anybody, including me, I hate to say it.” This playful comment was made as Zelenskyy expressed gratitude for the first lady’s diplomatic efforts in communicating with Putin.
The discussion touched on Melania’s letter to Putin, which Trump personally delivered during their summit in Alaska on August 15. While Melania did not attend the summit, she crafted a message appealing to Putin’s humanity regarding children affected by the war in Ukraine.
Trump explained that Melania’s letter-writing was driven by her concern for suffering children. He noted her love for Barron and children in general, emphasizing her distress over the violence and its consequences on innocent lives.
In her letter, Melania discussed the universal dreams of children, highlighting their shared aspirations for love, possibility, and safety, irrespective of birthplace. Drawing from her own experiences in a destabilized Yugoslavia, she spoke to the impact of conflict on children.
The letter urged Putin to safeguard the innocence of children in warring nations, emphasizing the parental responsibility to nurture hope for future generations. Melania emphasized that leaders must prioritize children’s well-being beyond immediate comforts, advocating for a world where everyone is treated with dignity.
The first lady concluded with a direct appeal to Putin, suggesting that his role in restoring children’s laughter and serving humanity by protecting their innocence was crucial. She emphasized that such actions could transcend human divisions, positioning Putin to implement this vision promptly.
Trump’s admission regarding Melania’s devotion to Barron reflects her protective nature towards her only child. Sources familiar with the family have noted Melania’s efforts to shield Barron from political backlash and to maintain a sense of normalcy despite public scrutiny.
Following Trump’s reelection, sources indicated that Melania’s concern over national divisiveness was affecting Barron, who remains untouched by political controversies. They noted her role as a supportive figure for Barron, discussing life realities and their public position.
Mrs. Trump’s parents have been strong supporters of Barron throughout his life. While her mother, Amalija Knavs, passed away in January 2024, her father, Viktor, remains actively involved with the family. Sources describe Melania’s most meaningful moments as centered on family, with Barron as the primary recipient of her love and care.
Melania has previously defended Barron publicly, including a statement in May addressing rumors about his college applications. Her spokesperson clarified that Barron had not applied to Harvard University, countering speculation that the president’s criticism of the institution was related to his son.
Barron is expected to start his second year at New York University’s Stern School of Business this fall. While he appeared during the 2024 campaign, he has been rarely seen with his father recently, aligning with his mother’s efforts to maintain his privacy.
The White House meeting on Monday included Zelenskyy and a delegation of European leaders, such as Finnish President Alexander Stubb, French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.
During the meeting, Zelenskyy also presented Trump with a letter from Ukrainian First Lady Olena Volodymyrivna Zelenska addressed to Melania. The exchange highlighted the role of diplomatic spouses in international relations and peace efforts.