Donald Trump has publicly attributed his son Barron Trump’s notable height of 6 feet 7 inches to two primary factors: the traditional Slovenian home-cooked meals prepared by his late maternal grandmother, Amalija Knavs, and Barron’s consistent engagement in soccer.
The Grandmother’s Home Cooking: A Key Dietary Influence
According to Donald Trump, Barron’s significant height is largely due to the food prepared by Amalija Knavs, Melania Trump’s mother, who passed away in January 2024. Trump has been quoted as saying, “That’s how he got so tall, he only ate her food.” Melania Trump has also highlighted her mother’s passion for cooking and her use of fresh ingredients and spices from her own garden.
Reports suggest that Barron frequently preferred his grandmother’s meals over school lunches, even though his school offered a variety of food options. Traditional Slovenian cuisine, which Amalija Knavs would have prepared, is typically hearty, incorporating meat, dairy, and seasonal vegetables. Popular dishes include Slovenian dumplings (idrijski žlikrofi), parboiled sausage (kranjska klobasa), and stews made with various meats and potatoes (bograč). This emphasis on fresh, home-prepared, and nutrient-dense foods from a traditional European diet is what Donald Trump has cited as a key contributor to Barron’s growth.
Soccer: The Fitness Component
Beyond diet, Donald Trump has also mentioned Barron’s active lifestyle, specifically his love for playing soccer, as a contributing factor to his overall development and stature. In 2023, Trump stated that Barron “still plays soccer” and described him as a “good athlete.” During Trump’s first term as president, Wayne Rooney, then coaching DC United, even met with Barron and provided him with soccer advice at Trump’s personal request. This consistent physical activity, combined with his diet, forms the routine Donald Trump has publicly credited for Barron’s towering frame.
