In what appeared to be a disastrous development, some social media users alleged late last month that Barron Trump was put on academic probation for telling a rape joke.

However, a fact-checking website has since confirmed that the story about President-elect Donald Trump's youngest son was false. 

Allegation began with X post on December 21

According to Check Your Fact, the claim that Barron was punished by New York University (NYU) for making lewd remarks began with an X post put up on December 21.

It stated, "Barron Trump has received six months of academic probation after telling a rape joke to a female classmate at New York University."

Barron Trump has received six months of academic probation after telling a rape joke to a female classmate at New York University. pic.twitter.com/1DFvAcwogz

— RT America (@RTNewsAmerica) December 21, 2024

The post was made by a parody account known as "RT News." Although there is another X account called "RT News" which belongs to a Russian broadcaster, it has been inactive for nearly two years.

X account admits to doing parody

The "RT News" account which asserted that Barron had been put on academic suspension openly admits to doing parody in its bio, stating, "If you fell for my bait, you owe me eight dollars."

What's more, an investigation by Check Your Fact found "no credible news reports to corroborate" allegations that Barron had either told an offensive joke or been put on academic probation.

Fake stories are far from being the only reason that Barron has been making headlines in recent months, as the 18-year-old also received praise for his political acumen.

As The Independent reported, Barron's admirers include his sister-in-law and Republican National Committee (RNC) co-chair Lara Trump.

Barron helped to craft father's podcast strategy

"There have been many times I’ve been traveling over the course of the campaign with my father-in-law in the car," Mrs. Trump was quoted as telling podcast host Patrick Bet-David.

"Barron will call and say, 'Dad, I have an idea of how you can get more votes,' and it’ll be, you know, 'You need to go to this baseball stadium' or whatever," the RNC co-chair went on to add.

Longtime Trump adviser Jason Miller has also spoken positively of Barron, telling Politico's "Playbook Deep Dive" in October that he helped craft his father's podcast strategy.

"I got to tell you, hats off to the young man. Every single recommendation he’s had has turned out to be absolute ratings gold that’s broke the internet. He’s done a great job," Miller said.