Melania Trump says Barron wanted to live in her New York tower while studying

Melania Trump is opening up about her only child going to college.

The former first lady, 54, gave a rare sit-down interview to Fox News Channel's Ainsley Earhardt in which she discussed her 18-year-old son Barron Trump's transfer to New York University's Stern School of Business.

“I can’t say I’m an empty nester. I don't feel that way,” Melania told Earhardt during their conversation, which aired on Thursday, September 26.

The former first lady said she raised Barron, her only child with former President Donald Trump, as his “own person” and “gave him his own yeses and nos” as he grew up.

“It was his decision to come here, that he wanted to be in New York and study in New York and live in his home, and I respect that,” Melania continued about her son's decision to attend NYU.

During the post, she described the Oxbridge Academy graduate as an “incredible young man”.

“I’m very proud of what he’s grown into,” Melania continued. “His strength. His intelligence. His knowledge, his kindness. It’s admirable.”

Barron arrived for his first day of classes at NYU's Stern School of Business on September 4, university security confirmed to PEOPLE.

Melania said Donald's youngest son is “enjoying his college days” in the first few weeks of classes, adding: “I hope he has a great experience because his life is very different to that of any other 18-year-old.” or 19 year old child.” ”

In May, a source told PEOPLE that Melania planned to “retain as much influence over Barron's future as she did during his early and current school years.”

“He is her world,” the source continued. “She is proud of him and she is the primary decision maker about Barron and his future.”

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Prior to his freshman year at NYU, Barron was selected as an at-large delegate to represent Florida at the 2024 Republican National Convention in Milwaukee in July. However, he declined the offer and skipped the RNC.

“While Barron is honored to have been selected as a delegate by the Florida Republican Party, he unfortunately declines to participate due to prior commitments,” Melania’s office confirmed in a statement shared with PEOPLE at the time.