A video circulating online that allegedly places a US$10 million (about S$12.8 million) bounty on Barron Trump has prompted a response from the US Secret Service, which said it investigates material that could be perceived as a threat against its protectees.
The video, reportedly aired by Iranian state-run media, has spread widely across social media. However, its origin and authenticity have not been independently verified.
The alleged bounty is aimed at Barron Trump, the youngest child of US President Donald Trump. The video makes a series of claims about the 20-year-old’s movements, online activities and security arrangements.
Video makes claims about Barron Trump’s movements
According to the footage, an alleged security breach supposedly resulted in information about Barron’s daily movements and habits being obtained.
The video claims that a young woman managed to get past stringent US Secret Service security procedures and meet Barron face-to-face at Trump Tower.
It also alleges that information about his online activities had been gathered, including claims that he uses the usernames of New York University classmates while communicating on Discord.
The footage further refers to Barron’s gaming activities, alleging that he uses Xbox while playing FIFA and communicating with others online.
The video then makes a reference to a US$10 million reward, appearing to frame the information as part of an alleged operation targeting the president’s son.
However, reports circulating online have not established whether the claims made in the video are genuine, fabricated propaganda, or intended as psychological intimidation.
Secret Service says it investigates potential threats
The US Secret Service has acknowledged that it is aware of the video.
In a statement to NBC, the agency said it investigates anything that could be perceived as a threat towards people under its protection.
The Secret Service also declined to provide details about its protective intelligence or security operations, citing operational security concerns.
The response comes as tensions between the United States and Iran remain high, with threats and provocative material involving senior political figures receiving increased scrutiny online.
The video has reportedly been linked by some reports to Iranian media and an alleged Iranian paramilitary connection. However, the available reporting has not independently established the video’s exact source.
Other Trump family members reportedly targeted
The claims involving Barron Trump also emerged alongside other alleged threats involving members of the Trump family.
Reports have circulated about similar material concerning US First Lady Melania Trump, with claims that Iranian media had suggested having information about her whereabouts.
Separately, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reportedly said that Iran had attempted to target one of his sons.
The developments have added to concerns over how social media and state-linked media platforms can be used to amplify threats against prominent political figures.
For now, the US Secret Service’s response does not confirm that the alleged bounty is genuine. Its acknowledgement of the video indicates that the material is being assessed as part of the agency’s responsibility to protect high-profile individuals.
As the video continues circulating, authorities and social media users face the challenge of distinguishing genuine security threats from fabricated or misleading content designed to attract attention or provoke fear.