Through the Static

By Hannah Saunders

Should President Trump’s youngest son, 19-year-old Barron, be sent to war? The internet says yes.

On February 28, alongside Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Trump decided to bomb and wage a war against Iran. After days of massacres, including over 100 reported deaths at an all-girls elementary school— most of which were children— three U.S. troops were reportedly killed in a counterattack.

This has led many to question whose children should be sent to fight in their own wars?

Trump’s eldest three children, Donald, 48, Ivanka, 44, and Eric, 42, are from his first marriage to Ivana Trump. All three are married and have numerous children. Marla Maples gave birth to Tiffany, 32, who is another daughter of Trump’s. Tiffany had her first child in May of 2025.

And Barron was birthed by Melania, Trump’s current wife. Not much is known about Barron’s private life, but he’s been attending NYU’s Leonard N. Stern School of Business, and he’s 6’7.

The U.S. has historically used military drafts during wars, and most male citizens are required to register between 18 and 25 years of age. The last time there was a draft was in 1972 for the Vietnam War.

And Trump dodged the Vietnam War draft five times— once for alleged bone spurs and four for education, exploiting his privilege as a wealthy white man.

Several weeks ago, former Minnesota governor Jesse Ventura passionately spoke out and said:

“You know how you got to vote to go to war, supposedly? I’ve always said we should pass a law that when Congress votes to go to war, someone in their immediate family has to begin immediate military service. If they vote yes to go to war, then someone in their family— cause I’m sick and tired of the Vietnam stuff.”

And the internet ate this idea up.

With his father’s attack on Iran that neglected congressional approval, social media users started a new trend: #sendbarron.

On March 1, Trump provided an update about the war, which he has named “Operation Epic Fury.”

“Three U.S. military servicemembers have been killed in action,” the repeat draft dodger said. “And sadly, there will likely be more before it ends– that’s the way it is.”

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