A new book about President Donald Trump’s second administration claims that Barron Trump was among the first people to alert his father after conservative activist Charlie Kirk was shot in September 2025.

According to Regime Change: Inside the Imperial Presidency of Donald Trump, written by New York Times journalists Maggie Haberman and Jonathan Swan, Barron was deeply shaken by the news and immediately contacted his father while White House officials were still trying to verify what had happened.

White House Staff Were Still Seeking Answers

The book recounts that President Trump’s aides were scrambling for reliable information after reports emerged that Kirk had been shot while speaking at Utah Valley University.

White House deputy chief of staff Taylor Budowich reportedly began contacting hospitals in Utah while other officials attempted to gather details before briefing the president.

But according to the authors, Barron Trump had already reached his father first.

Barron Was Reportedly ‘In a State of Distress’

The book claims Barron, then 19 years old, was a longtime admirer of Charlie Kirk and feared the shooting reflected the same political violence that had previously targeted his father.

According to the authors, Barron told President Trump:

“This is what happens when you go out there. This is what happened.”

The book says President Trump tried to reassure his son, reportedly telling him:

“Calm down, honey, calm down.”

Despite attempting to comfort Barron, the authors write that the president himself appeared visibly shaken.

Trump Reacted to the News

After learning Kirk had been shot in the neck, Trump reportedly responded:

“That’s not good. That’s not good.”

The book also claims he reflected on Kirk’s role during the 2024 campaign, saying:

“He’s such a good guy. He really helped me out in 2024. He got the youth vote.”

When video footage from the scene later surfaced, Trump reportedly looked away after only a brief glance.

“It’s horrible. Poor Charlie.”

Barron’s Admiration for Charlie Kirk

Just days after the shooting, Trump publicly spoke about Barron’s admiration for the conservative commentator during an appearance on Fox & Friends.

The president recalled that Barron had once asked to meet Kirk.

“Barron came to me. And he said, ‘Dad, I’d like to meet somebody that you know.'”

Trump said he expected his son to name a world leader instead.

“I thought he was going to say, ‘I want to meet King Charles’ or something.”

Instead, he arranged a lunch between the two.

According to Trump, Barron came away impressed.

“That guy’s great, Dad. That guy’s great.”

Claims Come From New Book

The account appears in Regime Change: Inside the Imperial Presidency of Donald Trump, which draws on interviews and reporting from New York Times journalists Maggie Haberman and Jonathan Swan.

Neither Barron Trump nor the White House has publicly commented on the specific details described in the book.