He sneaks her candy, competes with her on the golf course, and to her, he’s simply “grandpa.” At 17, Kai Trump is sharing a more personal side of her relationship with Donald Trump, revealing a family dynamic that contrasts with his public image. As the eldest grandchild of Donald Trump Jr. and Vanessa Trump, she spent years mostly out of the spotlight, only recently stepping into public view.

Her appearance at the 2024 Republican National Convention surprised many, not for politics but for its warmth. “The media makes my grandpa seem like a different person. But I know him for who he is. He is very caring and loving,” she said. She added a relatable detail: “He gives us candy and soda when our parents aren’t looking.” She also shared how proud he is of her achievements: “When I made the high honor roll, he printed it out to show his friends how proud he was of me.”

Their bond also plays out on the golf course, where things get competitive. Kai, passionate about golf, often plays with him and admits, “It’s a stiff competition… he always gives me a run for my money.” After moving to Florida, she focused seriously on the sport, even winning a ladies’ club championship and committing to the University of Miami’s women’s golf team. “Golf has always been a massive part of my life… I always aspire to be a leader on and off the course,” she said.

Despite her background, she values normalcy. “I fit in with everyone else. You would not know at all—and that’s the way I like to keep it,” she explained. She also recalled an emotional reunion: “It was really special… we got a little teary-eyed, both of us. I’ll never forget that.”

For now, her focus is clear—family, discipline, and golf—as she quietly builds her own path beyond the spotlight.