Kai Trump Opens Up About Her Bond with Grandpa Donald
|Kai Trump Spills the Tea on Her Special Bond with Grandpa Donald – And What She Reveals May Surprise You
Donald Trump’s family is known for being close-knit and full of vibrant personalities. Among them is his granddaughter, Kai Trump, who has recently been gaining attention.
Kai was quick to congratulate her grandfather after he secured another shot at the White House—and her support wasn’t just an ordinary display of family loyalty. Their bond runs much deeper.
Though she has mostly stayed out of the spotlight, Kai shares a relationship with Donald Trump that is clearly built on love and mutual respect.
Who Is Kai Trump, Really?
Kai Madison Trump is the eldest child of Donald Trump Jr. and his ex-wife, Vanessa. Born on May 12, 2007, in New York, she was named after her maternal grandfather, Kai Ewans, a Danish jazz musician.
Vanessa went into labor unexpectedly while attending a charity benefit in the city, and in true Trump fashion, Kai made her entrance two weeks early—ready to take on the world. She weighed 6 pounds, 14 ounces at birth.
But beyond her famous last name, who is Kai Trump, and what’s it really like growing up as the granddaughter of one of America’s most well-known figures?
Donald Trump Jr. was all smiles as he shared the joyful news from the hospital, telling People magazine, “Everyone’s great.”
As for Donald Trump himself, becoming a grandfather was something he hadn’t initially envisioned—but he quickly embraced the role.
“It’s not something I had necessarily in mind, but it feels very nice,” he told the New York Post after Kai’s birth.
A Childhood in the Trump Family
Growing up in New York, Kai was close in age to her uncle, Barron Trump—just 14 months apart—which meant the two spent a lot of time together during their early years.
Though she was born and raised in the Big Apple, Kai now resides in Jupiter, Florida, with her mother, Vanessa.
Life Outside the Spotlight
For much of her childhood, Kai remained largely out of public view. She was rarely mentioned in the media, and one of the earliest public photos of her didn’t surface until 2014.
When Kai was just six years old, she was spotted at the second annual Invitational Grand Prix at the Mar-a-Lago Club. She was even caught on camera filming country star Hunter Hayes as he performed for the crowd before the event began.
Stepping Into the Spotlight
As Donald Trump ramped up his 2016 presidential campaign, Kai began making more public appearances, including in official family photos.
Before running for president, Trump had positioned his children in key roles within his business and television empire. However, during his first campaign, they largely kept a lower profile.
Political strategist Redd Galen, who worked on George W. Bush’s campaigns, reflected on the family’s initial approach to politics:
“When it comes to Trump’s family, I don’t think any of them really understood the full force of what a presidential campaign can bring to bear on a person.”
Kai Trump’s 2024 Speech
In 2024, Kai made a much stronger impression. She took the stage at the Republican National Convention on July 17, introduced by her father, Donald Trump Jr.
Speaking on the third day of the convention, Kai shared a personal glimpse into her grandfather’s true character:
“The media makes my grandpa seem like a different person. But I know him for who he is. He is very caring and loving. He truly wants the best for this country. And he will fight every single day to make America great again.”
During her first-ever public speech, she also gave a lighthearted take on life with the former president:
“He’s just a normal grandpa. He gives us candy and soda when our parents aren’t looking.”
A Proud Grandfather
Kai also shared that her grandfather takes a deep interest in his grandchildren’s education.
“He always checks in on how we’re doing in school,” she said.
One moment, in particular, stood out to her:
“When I made the high honor roll, he printed it out to show his friends how proud he was of me.”
Reflecting on her RNC speech, Kai admitted that the scale of the event caught her off guard.
“There were a lot more people than I expected, for sure. I didn’t think it was going to be that much,” she told interviewer Grant Horvat.
Kai’s Emotional Reaction to Her Grandfather Being Shot
Kai and Donald Trump share a uniquely close bond, and one of the most emotional moments they’ve had together happened at the Republican National Convention.
For Kai, her speech was more than just a public appearance—it was a deeply personal experience.
“It was really special for both of us,” she said.
She revealed that the RNC was the first time she had seen her grandfather since the assassination attempt on his life.
“That was really special. Like, we got a little teary-eyed, both of us. I’ll never forget that,” she recalled.
A Rising Star in Golf
Kai Trump’s love for golf is undeniable, and she seems to be following in some impressive footsteps.
After moving to South Florida at 13, she enrolled at The Benjamin School in North Palm Beach—a school known for producing golf legends. Jack Nicklaus and Greg Norman both sent their children there, and Charlie Woods, Tiger Woods’ son, is also part of the school’s golf scene. In fact, Charlie helped the varsity team secure a state title as a freshman.
But Kai’s golf talent extends beyond school tournaments.
Earlier this year, she won the ladies’ club championship at Trump’s golf course in West Palm Beach, Florida—an achievement that further cements her place in the sport.
A Deep Passion for Golf
“Golf has always been a massive part of my life and is my biggest passion. I always aspire to be a leader and a positive figure on and off the golf course,” Kai Trump shares in her SportsRecruits biography.
Kai is serious about her golfing career, and her Instagram account, kaitrumpgolfer, showcases her dedication to the sport.
A Big Commitment
In August 2024, Kai shared exciting news with her followers—she had committed to the University of Miami’s women’s golf team.
“I am beyond excited to announce my verbal commitment to the University of Miami,” Kai wrote in her post. “I would like to thank my mom, Vanessa, and my dad, Don, for always supporting me through my journey. I would also like to thank my great team for getting me to this point.”
She didn’t forget to express her gratitude to her grandfather, Donald Trump, either.
“I would like to thank my grandpa for giving me access to great courses and tremendous support…”
Intense Golf Battles
Kai often spends time on the golf course with her grandfather, and her Instagram is filled with photos of the two of them sharing laughs and swinging clubs.
But when it comes to their friendly competitions, things get pretty intense.
“It’s a stiff competition,” Kai told YouTuber Grant Horvat in July, joking that her grandpa doesn’t exactly let her win, even though they’re family.
“Genuinely, he always gives me a run for my money. It’s pretty close,” she added. “It’s never really game over, and I’ve won on the 15th hole. He wins a lot of the time. I do have to say that. I’ve got to get better.”
Genuine and Down-to-Earth
In her stroke-play golf match at Trump National in Jupiter, FL, Kai captured attention not only for her skills but for her down-to-earth personality.
Though many were curious about her famous grandfather, what truly stood out was how genuine and approachable Kai came across.
The YouTube clip offered a great glimpse into her personality.
Kai Trump Announces Commitment to the University of Miami
Kai Trump expressed her excitement over her commitment to the University of Miami’s women’s golf team in a heartfelt Instagram post.
“I am beyond excited to announce my verbal commitment to the University of Miami,” she wrote. “I would like to thank my mom, Vanessa, and my dad, Don, for always supporting me through my journey. I would also like to thank my amazing team for helping me get to this point.”
She also took the time to thank her grandfather, Donald Trump, in the post.
“I would like to thank my grandpa for giving me access to great courses and tremendous support…”
Intense Golf Battles with Grandpa
Kai spends a lot of time on the golf course with her grandfather, and her Instagram is full of photos showing them enjoying the game together. But when they play, things get pretty intense.
Speaking with YouTuber Grant Horvat in July, Kai joked about how the competition heats up when it’s her versus Grandpa.
“It’s a stiff competition,” she said with a smile, hinting that Donald Trump doesn’t let her win just because they’re family.
“Genuinely, he always gives me a run for my money. It’s pretty close,” Kai added. “It’s never really game over, and I’ve won on the 15th hole. He wins a lot of the time. I do have to say that. I’ve got to get better.”
A Genuine and Grounded Personality
In her match at Trump National in Jupiter, FL, Kai displayed not only her golfing skills but her down-to-earth personality. The video with Grant Horvat caught the attention of viewers, who praised her genuine and grounded demeanor.
One viewer commented, “Lovely to see that Kai is so normal and level-headed, especially considering the pressure of being from such a famous family.”
Another added, “Such a joy to see a normal teen girl! Genuine, polite, no yelling, and able to express her feelings without throwing a fit. She can actually converse!”
Kai attributes her calm nature to growing up in the spotlight. “It’s never really changed who I am. I’m still very grounded; it’s all I’ve known my whole life,” she said.
She has also always preferred to keep a low profile.
“I fit in with everyone else. You would not know at all, and that’s the way I like to keep it,” she explained.
The Deep Bond with Her Grandfather
Looking closely at photos of Kai with her grandfather, it’s clear there’s a deep bond between them. The way they interact speaks volumes—whether it’s a warm smile, a shared joke, or simply being present with one another. These moments capture a genuine connection.
Take a look at one of their photos—it’s a perfect example of their undeniable closeness.