On Tuesday, April 30, Judge Juan Merchan of the New York Supreme Court gave permission to former President Donald Trump to attend the high school graduation of his youngest son, Barron Trump. The decision ensured that Trump could be present at the ceremony that took place on May 17 at Oxbridge Academy in Palm Beach, Florida.
The ruling came amid the ongoing hush money trial involving Trump in Manhattan, where he faces 34 counts of falsifying business records related to payments to Stormy Daniels before the 2016 presidential election. Trump has denied the allegations and pleaded not guilty.
In court, Trump voiced his concerns about missing the significant event in his son’s life, stating, “He’s a great student and he’s very proud of the fact he did so well and was looking forward for years to having his graduation with his mother and father there.” He criticized the potential restriction as part of a “scam trial.”
Despite the legal challenges, including a recent $9,000 fine for violating the court’s gag order by discussing the case publicly, Merchan acknowledged the personal importance of the graduation event for Trump. “I don’t think the May 17 date is a problem,” Merchan stated, allowing Trump to temporarily step away from the trial’s demands.
Barron, 18, previously attended St. Andrew’s Episcopal School in Potomac, Maryland, during his father’s presidency. The young Trump, who moved to Mar-a-Lago with his parents after the presidency, has been noted for his academic achievements and low public profile compared to his older siblings.
Trump’s lawyer, Alina Habba, expressed relief at the judge’s decision, highlighting the emotional impact of potentially missing the graduation. “You’re not even allowing a father – never mind a former president – but a father attend his son’s graduation?” she questioned earlier, reflecting broader concerns about the personal toll of the ongoing legal proceedings.
Former communications director for Melania Trump, Stephanie Grisham, shared insights with DailyMail.com, suggesting Melania Trump’s displeasure at the public attention drawn to her son’s graduation due to the trial. Grisham, who resigned after the Capitol attack on January 6, criticized Trump’s approach as potentially overshadowing his son’s achievement.
The judge’s decision not only allowed Trump to attend the graduation but also reflected a momentary pause in a high-profile trial that continues to attract national attention. Legal experts and public figures continue to scrutinize the implications of the trial’s developments on Trump’s personal and political life.