Melania Trump and her 10-year old son, Barron Trump, will not be joining her husband, Donald Trump, when he moves into the White House on January 20th, a decision that has been met with controversy.

And, no, it is not due to the lack of gold rimmed candy bowls or the fact that she has to make do with the Presidential seal being stamped everywhere rather than the Trump coat of arms.

NY Penthouse Controversy

It does have something to do with Barron, though, who is in the middle of his school year. Since his parents think that it may be in bad form to pull him out, they have decided to just let him finish his term, which ends in June. The youngest Trump scion is enrolled at Columbia Grammar and Preparatory School, located in Manhattan’s Upper West Side.

On Sunday, Trump seemed to have confirmed this when he told reporters that his wife and son will join him “…very soon. After [Barron’s] finished with school.”

A source close to Trump’s transition team told the New York Post that “Melania is extremely close to Barron, and they have become closer during the campaign.” It was also said that “[t]he campaign has been difficult for Barron, and she is really hoping to keep disruption to a minimum.”

Melania won’t be neglecting her duties as First Lady while in New York. In the interim, Melania will be traveling to Washington D.C. if she is needed.

And, while we applaud Melania for putting her child first and being a hands-on parent, even with the considerable resources at her disposal, the news that she and her son will remain in their New York penthouse for a longer period of time has sparked controversy. This means the additional security measures that were put in place when Donald won the presidency will remain — including street closures and an increased NYPD force.

Aside from New Yorkers who have to endure the traffic, Melania and Barron will also require security detail and escorts, reportedly costing taxpayers millions of dollars. If 5th Ave remains closed, would residents of the block need to be screened daily? Would businesses on the street be able to see any customers? And what about residents in Trump Tower itself?

Don’t worry, New York; seven months is not that long (provided the Trumps do actually move to the White House full-time this summer).