Kai Trump Speaks Out After Grandfather’s Injury

He sneaks her candy and soda when her parents aren’t watching. On the golf course, it’s all about lighthearted rivalry and quality time.

Now, 17-year-old Kai Trump is giving the public a rare look into her close relationship with her grandfather, Donald Trump — and what she shares might surprise you.

The Trump family is known for their strong ties and vivid personalities, and Kai, the oldest of Donald Trump’s ten grandchildren, has recently caught the public’s attention.

When Donald Trump launched another bid for the White House, Kai was among the first to publicly show her support. But their connection goes much deeper than politics.

Although Kai has mostly stayed under the radar, her affection and admiration for her grandfather shine through clearly.

Who Is Kai Trump?

Kai Madison Trump is the first child of Donald Trump Jr. and his ex-wife Vanessa, making her the eldest of Trump’s grandchildren.

She was born on May 12, 2007, in New York City and named after her maternal grandfather, Kai Ewans, a Danish jazz musician. According to family accounts, Vanessa went into early labor at a charity event, and Kai arrived two weeks ahead of schedule — making a headline-worthy entrance right from the start.

She weighed 6 pounds, 14 ounces, and her father proudly told People magazine at the time, “Everyone’s great.”

Donald Trump himself embraced the role of grandfather, telling the New York Post, “It feels very nice.”

Growing up in New York, Kai formed a close bond with her uncle Barron Trump, who is only about a year older than her. The two spent plenty of time together, forming a unique duo within the Trump family. Today, Kai resides in Jupiter, Florida, with her mother.

A Quiet Early Life in the Public Eye

In her younger years, Kai maintained a low profile. One of her earliest public appearances came in 2014 at the age of six, when she attended a charity event at the Mar-a-Lago Club. Photographers captured charming moments of her at the gathering.

During Donald Trump’s 2016 campaign, Kai was occasionally seen in family photos but largely remained out of the spotlight. Political commentator Reed Galen remarked that the Trump family likely hadn’t anticipated just how intense and public a presidential campaign would be.

Stepping Forward in 2024

That changed in 2024 when Kai made her public speaking debut at the Republican National Convention on July 17. On the third night of the convention, she addressed the crowd and shared a personal view of her grandfather.

“The media often portrays my grandpa differently than who he really is,” she said. “To me, he’s kind and loving. He wants the best for America and works hard every day to make it better.”

Kai described him as a regular grandfather — one who sneaks sweets to his grandchildren when the parents aren’t around.

“He gives us candy and soda when our parents aren’t looking,” she smiled.

She also recalled a sweet moment of pride: “When I made the high honor roll, he printed it out and showed it to all his friends. He was so proud.”

Though she appeared confident, Kai later admitted that she was nervous speaking in front of such a large audience — far bigger than she had anticipated.

A Reunion After a Difficult Moment

Perhaps the most emotional moment came when Kai reunited with her grandfather at the RNC, shortly after he had been injured. It was the first time they had seen each other since the incident, and Kai described it as deeply meaningful.

“It was really special for both of us,” she said. “We both got a little teary-eyed. I’ll never forget that.”

Bonding Through Golf

Kai has a growing passion for golf — one she shares with her grandfather. After moving to South Florida at 13, she enrolled at The Benjamin School in North Palm Beach, a school well-known for its golf program and famous alumni like Jack Nicklaus and Greg Norman.

Earlier this year, she claimed victory at the ladies’ club championship at Trump National Golf Club in West Palm Beach, proving her dedication to the sport.

“Golf is a huge part of my life — it’s my biggest passion,” she shared in her SportsRecruits bio. “I want to lead both on and off the course.”

Looking Ahead: University of Miami

Kai recently announced her commitment to play collegiate golf for the University of Miami starting in fall 2024.

“I’m beyond excited to share this,” she wrote on Instagram. “Thanks to my mom, Vanessa, and dad, Don, for always supporting me — and thanks to my amazing team.”

She also extended gratitude to her grandfather for his ongoing encouragement and for providing access to top-tier golf facilities.

A Friendly but Fierce Rivalry

Golf is also where Kai and Donald Trump share some of their most spirited moments. She described their matches as “serious competition,” adding that he never lets her win easily.

“He always gives me a run for my money,” she joked. “It’s usually pretty close.”

Staying Grounded in the Spotlight

Despite her prominent family background, Kai remains remarkably grounded.

In a recent interview, her calm and composed demeanor stood out. Viewers praised her maturity and grace.

“It’s never really changed who I am,” she said. “This is just what I’ve grown up with. I stay grounded — it’s all I’ve ever known.”

A Focus on Sports, Not Politics

While politics are a big part of her family’s world, Kai has other priorities.

“I blend in with everyone else,” she explained. “Most people don’t even know who I am — and I prefer it that way.”

Although her speech at the RNC brought more public attention, Kai remains focused on her goals in golf, not public life.

A Grandfather-Granddaughter Bond That Endures

Whether it’s laughing on the golf course, celebrating academic achievements, or sharing emotional moments at national events, Kai and her grandfather clearly have a relationship rooted in love, pride, and mutual respect.

As she heads toward her college career, one thing is clear: Kai Trump’s story is just beginning — and many will be watching to see what this driven young athlete accomplishes next.