During Donald Trump’s time in office, his youngest son, Barron Trump, was noticeably absent from official engagements. The world’s press never snapped him in the company of any dignitaries visiting the White House or accompanying his parents during overseas trips. Obviously, there is no requirement for first-family children to appear at any public events. Still, there is a long tradition of them doing so.
According to the National First Ladies Library, Malia and Sasha Obama, Jenna and Barbara Bush, and Maureen Reagan are some of the presidential kids who attended state dinners at the White House. Meanwhile, Margaret Truman, Susan Ford, Lynda Bird Johnson, and Chelsea Clinton were guests at overseas official dinners hosted by foreign leaders.
Malia and Sasha were 17 and 14, respectively, when they made their White House dinner debut in March 2016. “It’s touching to meet Malia and Sasha, who are here at their first State Dinner,” Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said in a toast. “I admire you very much, both of you, for your extraordinary strength and your grace,” he continued, adding that their time at The White House would give them “wisdom beyond [their] years.”
