The businessman says his brother’s quiet remark to the former president during the 2025 inauguration was far more polite than the crude phrases that circulated online, offering new insight into the viral exchange.

Advertisement
Eric Trump has shed light on a viral moment involving his younger brother, Barron Trump, and President Joe Biden during the 2025 inauguration. Speaking on “The Megyn Kelly Show” podcast, Eric addressed the long-circulated speculation over what Barron said to Joe in January 2025.

Barron Trump attends the inauguration of U.S. President-elect Donald Trump on January 20, 2025 in Washington, DC. | Source: Getty Images

This was just before President Donald Trump’s final address as commander-in-chief. The brief exchange sparked widespread debate online, with many netizens claiming Barron had made a crude remark. Eric dismissed those claims, describing his brother as polite and reserved. “Barron’s the quietest Trump,” he told Kelly. “He’s a little shy, but he’s smart as hell.”

Recalling their conversation, Eric said he had asked Barron directly about what he said that day. “He told me it was something so polite — congratulations, or best of luck — something very respectful,” Eric explained.

Barron Trump attends the inauguration of U.S. President-elect Donald Trump on January 20, 2025 in Washington, DC. | Source: Getty Images

He added that Barron would never have used the language suggested online. “He just doesn’t have that in him,” Eric said. “He’s a nice guy… too courteous to actually go out there and say it.”

Different tabloids covered the brief interaction between Barron and the former POTUS, each asking the same question: What did Barron actually say to Joe?

The moment occurred during the 2025 inauguration, when Joe approached Barron for a handshake. Footage showed a short exchange. Joe appeared to speak first, and Barron leaned in to reply. The clip circulated widely, with some netizens calling the interaction mysterious.

Barron shakes hands with Joe Biden and Kamala Harris after the swearing-in ceremony pic.twitter.com/FnbYrRXKju

— Charlie Spiering (@charliespiering) January 20, 2025

Advertisement
One theory claimed that Barron told the then–78–year–old president he was done. The claim spread quickly across social platforms, where users repeated the phrase as if it were a confirmed fact.

Forensic lip reader Jeremy Freeman later assessed the footage. Speaking to LADbible, he said Biden appeared to greet Barron by saying it was good to see him. Jeremy concluded that Barron seemed to reply with a brief acknowledgement.

Barron Trump attends the inauguration of U.S. President-elect Donald Trump on January 20, 2025 in Washington, DC. | Source: Getty Images

However, other netizens argued Barron had spoken to Kamala Harris instead and had not replied to Joe at all. Also, Joe’s expression shift — from smiling to more neutral — fueled more guesses. However, communications coach Judi James told FEMAIL that the truth was likely uneventful.

She said Barron appeared to greet Joe very confidently, and then leaned toward Kamala as part of the standard greeting sequence. According to her, Joe’s facial change reflected the end of the interaction, not a reaction to a hidden message.

Barron Trump and Melania Trump listen to Christopher Macchio sing at the inauguration of Donald Trump on January 20, 2025 in Washington, DC. | Source: Getty Images

Judi noted that misconceptions could have stemmed from Barron’s poised presence. She said his behavior projected confidence and humor as he moved through the room. His earlier gestures, including acknowledging applause and cupping his ear toward the crowd, may have encouraged assumptions that he was delivering pointed comments.

Judi also highlighted Barron’s increasing visibility at public events. She said he often takes on a role in which he follows behind his parents and engages with people as they arrive or depart.

According to Judi, this role involves arriving and leaving behind his parents, while taking time to shake hands and exchange polite remarks. She said the behavior helps establish his presence without overshadowing his father.

Judi noted that Barron’s height and growing confidence create an appearance of formality and presence. She added that his parents’ decision to let him manage these interactions independently suggests they trust his ability to handle himself in public.

The interaction with Joe took place after a forceful speech from Donald Trump, in which the president sharply criticized the outgoing administration. Joe had listened, showing a mix of expressions ranging from discomfort to polite composure.

Barron attended the 2025 inauguration alongside his mother, Melania Trump, and his older siblings. Now a 19-year-old student at New York University, he has drawn increased public attention as he takes on a more visible role during major political events.