A newly unearthed photo of a young, makeup-free Melania Trump has reignited discussions about whether her teenage son, Barron, more closely resembles her or his father, President-elect Donald Trump. The black-and-white photo, taken during a trial shoot by photographer Stane Jerko, captures Melania as a fresh-faced 16-year-old in her native Slovenia.
In the image, Melania is seen with a rounder face, softer features, and pronounced eyebrows—qualities that many say echo Barron’s current appearance. The photo contrasts sharply with the polished image Melania is known for today, featuring her signature structured outfits, designer shoes, and professional hair and makeup as the former First Lady.
Barron, who recently began studying at NYU, shares his mother’s striking features, including thick eyebrows and brown hair, and towers over his father in height. Donald Trump has often highlighted Barron’s stature, even hinting at the possibility of a future in sports, told the Irish Star.
The President-elect has openly acknowledged Barron’s resemblance to Melania, both in looks and temperament. In a 2006 interview with The Palm Beach Post, Trump remarked, “He looks more like Melania. He’s like her in temperament. Very calm.”
Melania herself has shed light on her parenting journey, revealing why the couple decided to keep their family small. During a 2016 interview on Fox & Friends, she explained that while Donald was open to having more children, she was content with raising just one, largely due to her husband’s demanding career and limited involvement in day-to-day parenting.
“I know how busy he is, and I’m in charge of everything,” she said, noting that her decision was shaped by the reality of managing parenting responsibilities alone.
The newly surfaced photo also serves as a reminder of Melania’s journey from a teenage model in Slovenia to her role as First Lady. The candid and youthful image has drawn widespread attention, particularly for how it underscores Barron’s striking resemblance to her.
As Barron continues to step into the public eye, his uncanny resemblance to his mother—both in appearance and demeanor—remains a point of fascination for observers of the Trump family. This latest photo adds yet another layer to the ongoing debate about the influences shaping the youngest member of the Trump dynasty.