Not $13,000, but $130? Why Barron Trump Only Carries a Practical Backpack

At 201 cm Tall, Barron Breaks Family Tradition by Choosing NYU
The Mirror: Analyzed as a "Choice to Avoid Standing Out"

Barron Trump, the youngest son of U.S. President Donald Trump, is drawing attention for sticking with an ordinary backpack priced at around $88 (approximately 120,000 to 130,000 won), despite being the child of a family whose assets are worth hundreds of billions of won. Given his height and fame, Barron naturally stands out wherever he goes, which has only heightened curiosity about why he opts for a simple black, practical backpack.

The product reported to have been worn by Barron is the SwissGear '1900 ScanSmart Backpack.' This item is far from being a high-end luxury brand; it is more aligned with student and office worker products that prioritize storage capacity and durability. Screenshot from social media.

On April 20 (local time), British media outlet The Mirror reported that Barron Trump has consistently used a similar style of black backpack since childhood, interpreting the reason as an effort "not to stand out." Analysts suggest that, by choosing a modestly designed bag over flashy luxury brands, he may be trying to divert public attention as much as possible.

Barron is the only son born to President Donald Trump and Melania Trump. Born in 2006, he attracted global attention at a young age while living in the White House during President Trump's first term in 2017. Especially after his growth spurt, reaching a height of about 201 centimeters, he became even more of a public figure, with even his everyday walks to school becoming a subject of fascination.

Barron is the only son born to President Donald Trump and Melania Trump. Born in 2006, he gained global attention while living in the White House at a young age during President Trump's first term in 2017. Photo by AP Yonhap News

Barron is considered someone who, from a young age, could hardly experience a typical school life. In this context, his black backpack is seen not just as a fashion item, but as a choice aimed at avoiding excessive attention and blending in as much as possible with his peers. In fact, some social media users have commented that "Barron intentionally maintains a low-key style to look like an ordinary college student."

The product reported to have been worn by Barron is the SwissGear '1900 ScanSmart Backpack.' This item is far from being a high-end luxury brand; it is more aligned with products for students and office workers that prioritize storage capacity and durability. Barron has also often been seen going to school dressed simply in a white polo shirt and sneakers, leading to the assessment that his overall style emphasizes "understated practicality."

Some observers believe such choices are not unrelated to the Trump family's values regarding money. Given that President Trump has often expressed caution against extravagance and excessive consumption, it is possible that Barron has also developed a preference for practical items over expensive luxury goods. Online, many have commented, "Though he grew up in a wealthy environment, he hasn't lost his sense of frugality," and, "It actually makes him seem more relatable."

On the other hand, there are those who caution against reading too much into his choices. Some point out that Barron did not necessarily choose his backpack based on brand or price, but simply continues to use a product that is comfortable and familiar. Others note that if he does not need to go to school frequently, there is no practical reason to own multiple bags. In reality, some suggest that instead of overinterpreting his backpack selection as symbolic, it should be seen as a matter of personal taste.

Barron drew renewed attention in 2024 when he enrolled at New York University (NYU). Notably, since many members of the Trump family are alumni of the University of Pennsylvania, Barron's decision to attend NYU Stern School stood out as a break from "family tradition." At the time, President Trump commented on Barron's enrollment, saying, "He's not a little boy anymore," expressing respect for his son's independent choice.

Both inside and outside political circles, observers have also noted that Barron is familiar with the culture and digital environment of younger generations. President Trump has previously mentioned in interviews that Barron has given him advice about podcasts and platforms popular among young people. For this reason, Barron is seen as more than just the "President's son" and is mentioned as someone who could help shape the Trump family's public image in the future.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.