The hashtag #SendBarron is trending on social media as a satirical website calls for President Trump to deploy his youngest son in the military.
The website, Draftbarrontrump.com, was set up by a former South Park writer amid Operation Epic Fury, which has seen the U.S. and Israel launch extensive airstrikes against Iran.
At least four American service members have been confirmed dead and several others seriously wounded as the assault stretches into its third day.
Trump has been accused of appearing indifferent towards those deaths, shrugging them off as a reality of war and warning the U.S. death toll could get “quite a bit higher.” During brief remarks at a Medal of Honor Ceremony in the wake of the attacks, the president spoke about his plans for the ballroom at the White House.
That in turn has prompted speculation about whether he might feel differently about sending military personnel into combat if his own 19-year-old son were among those being deployed.
Toby Morton, a comedian and former South Park writer who runs dozens of political parody sites, recently made headlines for scooping the TrumpKennedyCenter.org and TrumpKennedyCenter.com domains and using them to troll the president.
His latest mockery begins with a proud proclamation that “America is strong because its leaders are strong.”
“President Trump proves that every day,” the website’s header reads. “Naturally, his son Barron is more than ready to defend the country his father so boldly commands.”
Several pictures show the father and son together in imagery that appears designed to mimic war conscription posters.
It continues: “This site is dedicated to honoring the strongest and bravest voices in war. When power is projected abroad, it is only right that strength exists at home. If you’re looking for proven genes, inherited courage, and unquestionable resolve, look no further than the Trump family. Leadership starts somewhere.”
The picture accompanying the above section shows the president snoozing with his eyes closed, and the header ends with the words: “Dog Bless Barron.”
It rounds out with a number of spoof quotes from members of the Trump family, including one attributed to the president himself.
“People come up to me, with tears in their eyes, and they say, ‘Sir, you’re the strongest. Send Barron off to war’ I’ve always been strong. Very strong. Stronger than anyone expected. Some say the strongest ever. And strength matters. Believe me,” the parody quote reads.
Also ‘quoted’ are the president’s two older sons, Donald Trump Jr and Eric Trump, who have respective lines about avoiding the war, and cooking pancakes.
Thousands of social media users were quick to echo the message behind the joke website.
“#SendBarron. Would certainly send a message of solidarity with our troops, and gratitude for the sacrifices they make every day,” one user posted on X.
Another added: “POTUS is chilling at his own country club while starting WWIII #SendBarron.”
The question of military service is a sore point for the Trump family, with the president having used a diagnosis of bone spurs to avoid the Vietnam draft.
Dr. Elysa Braunstein and Sharon Kessel, the daughters of Queens podiatrist Dr. Larry Braunstein, who provided the diagnosis, later told The New York Times it was a “favor” from their father to Trump’s father, Fred Trump, who was his landlord.
However, Barron may have a more legitimate reason to dodge military service.
The youngest Trump son towers over his family at 6’9’’, which is above the maximum height limit for most branches of the military.
Army, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard, and Space Force requirements cap enlistment at 6’8”, while the Marine Corps is capped at 6’6”.
