When Kaya Walker, president of the NYU College Republicans stepped down on October 7, 2025, the campus buzzed with questions about free speech, party loyalty, and the presence of a former president’s son on the quad. Walker, a 21‑year‑old political‑science senior at New York University’s Washington Square campus in Manhattan, had sparked the controversy a week earlier by calling Barron Trump, the 19‑year‑old freshman and son of former President Donald Trump, an “oddity on campus” during a Vanity Fair interview. The national body, College Republicans of America, quickly labeled the remarks “inappropriate,” prompting an unprecedented resignation.
Background: NYU’s Political Landscape
NYU’s 26,500‑student undergraduate population leans heavily liberal; a 2024‑2025 demographic report shows Republicans make up just 8.3 % of the body. That scarcity turns any conservative organizing effort into a high‑stakes venture. The NYU College Republicans, founded in 1946, have traditionally hovered around a few dozen members, making Walker’s growth numbers look almost miraculous.
Rise of the NYU Chapter Under Walker
When Walker took the helm in fall 2023, the chapter counted 35 members and barely filled the front row of meetings. By September 30, 2025, chapter records obtained by the New York Post indicate membership swelled to 127, and average attendance jumped from 12 to 47 students per session – a 291.7 % increase. “I’ve been killing myself trying to support the conservative movement,” Walker told the Post on October 8, emphasizing the uphill battle of recruiting at a school where the student‑government often labels Republicans as outsiders.
- Membership grew from 35 to 127 (2023‑2025).
- Average meeting attendance rose 291.7 %.
- NYU’s Republican share: 8.3 % of undergraduates.
- College Republicans of America budget: $2.4 million (2024).
The Controversial Vanity Fair Interview
On September 30, 2025, Vanity Fair published an interview where Walker described Barron Trump as “sort of like an oddity on campus,” adding, “he goes to class, he goes home.” She also relayed an unnamed professor’s comment that the teenager “doesn’t really belong here,” a line that resonated with students accustomed to a liberal‑leaning faculty. The interview, released on October 3, ignited a firestorm on social media, with some praising Walker for speaking candidly and others accusing her of elitist snobbery.
Resignation and CRA’s Swift Response
By the morning of October 7, the national office released a statement signed by Matthew Schlapp, the organization’s National Chairman. The release, timestamped 10:15 a.m. ET, said Walker’s remarks “do not align with the values and principles upheld by our organization” and pledged a “smooth transition” to interim leadership. CRA’s bylaws require an interim president to be named within 72 hours and a special election within 30 days, a timeline the chapter now scrambles to meet.
Campus Reaction and Barron Trump’s Low‑Profile Routine
Eyewitnesses reported that Barron Trump arrives at NYU each weekday in a blacked‑out Secret Service motorcade, traveling roughly 50 blocks from Trump Tower to an unmarked garage near 70 Washington Square South. A junior political‑science student called him “tall and handsome,” while an economics senior noted, “he’s hardly here long enough to chat with anyone.” The contrast underscores Walker’s point about his limited campus presence, yet it also paints a picture of a young man under tight security, navigating a school where he is both high‑profile and invisible.
Implications for Campus Politics
The episode shines a spotlight on the challenges faced by minority‑party groups in liberal‑leaning universities. It also raises questions about the degree of scrutiny that private‑sector children receive when stepping into public academic spaces. For the NYU chapter, the resignation could either stall momentum or spark a fresh wave of activism as new leaders contend with heightened media attention.
What’s Next for the Chapter?
NYU spokesperson John Beckman confirmed on October 8 that the university has received no formal complaints about Barron’s academic performance. The chapter is now tasked with appointing an interim president within the next three days and organizing a special election by early November. If the new leader can sustain Walker’s recruitment drive while navigating the political fallout, NYU’s College Republicans could emerge stronger – or they might dissolve under pressure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Kaya Walker resign after the interview?
Walker stepped down because the national organization, College Republicans of America, deemed her comments about Barron Trump “inappropriate” and contrary to the group’s values, prompting pressure for her to relinquish the post.
How many members did the NYU chapter have before and after Walker’s tenure?
The chapter grew from 35 members in fall 2023 to 127 members by September 2025, a rise of roughly 263 %.
What security measures surround Barron Trump on campus?
Barron travels to NYU in a three‑vehicle Secret Service convoy, using blacked‑out SUVs that park in an unmarked garage near the Washington Square campus.
What are the next steps for the NYU College Republicans?
The chapter must appoint an interim president within 72 hours and hold a special election within 30 days, as required by CRA bylaws, while continuing recruitment drives.
How does this incident reflect broader tensions on liberal campuses?
It highlights the scrutiny minority‑party groups face, the pressure to conform to inclusive language, and the challenge of balancing free expression with campus culture in institutions where conservatives comprise less than ten percent of the student body.
