Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

‘Kai 2040!’: Don Trump Jr’s teenage daughter joins political fray with RNC speech

“He always encourages me to push myself to be the most successful person I can,” Kai Trump, 17, said of her grandfather

Eric Garcia
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Thursday 18 July 2024 04:37 BST
Comments
Kai Trump, granddaughter of Donald Trump, speaks at the Republican National Convention
Kai Trump, granddaughter of Donald Trump, speaks at the Republican National Convention (REUTERS)

Support truly
independent journalism

Our mission is to deliver unbiased, fact-based reporting that holds power to account and exposes the truth.

Whether $5 or $50, every contribution counts.

Support us to deliver journalism without an agenda.

Louise Thomas

Louise Thomas

Editor

Former president Donald Trump’s granddaughter, Kai, made her political debut on the third night of the Republican National Convention, marking the next phase of the first family of the Republican Party.

“My name is Kai Madison Trump,” the 17-year-old said. “I am the granddaughter of Donald Trump. I’m speaking today to share the side of my grandpa that people don’t often see.”

The eldest granddaughter of the former president talked about Trump giving his grandchildren treats against their parents’ wishes and bragging about her school achievements.

“He calls me during the school day to ask how my me all about my golf game,” he said on Wednesday night from the main stage. “But then I have to remind that I’m in school, and I’ll have to call him back later.”

Kai Trump talked about how when her grandfather plays against her on the course and tries to get inside her head. Kai has built an online social media presence, often showing off her golf skills.

“And he’s always surprised that I don’t let him get to me,” he said. “I have to remind him that I’m a Trump too.”

Kai Trump, granddaughter of Donald Trump, speaks at the Republican National Convention
Kai Trump, granddaughter of Donald Trump, speaks at the Republican National Convention (REUTERS)

Kai’s speech is the teen’s first push into politics. She spoke on the third night of the RNC as the focus shifted to Trump’s family and his running mate JD Vance. The night highlighted the former president, making America great again and taking shots at President Joe Biden and the Democrats.

Trump’s eldest son, Donald Trump Jr, introduced his daughter to the crowd at the Fiserv center.

“Before I begin my remarks, I’m going to do something a little uncharacteristic: a Trump is going to give up the microphone,” he said. But Don Jr said his daughter told him that she wanted to speak at the convention after a gunman shot her grandfather during a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania.

Kai took the stage to loud applause from the Milwaukee crowd and talked about how her grandfather checks in on her.

“He always encourages me to push myself to be the most successful person I can,” she said.

The teen’s speech is her push into politics as some in the crowd called for her to run for president - in 2040
The teen’s speech is her push into politics as some in the crowd called for her to run for president - in 2040 (AP)

The youngest Trump also gave her reaction when her grandfather was nearly killed.

“The media makes my grandpa seem like a different person, but I know him for who he is,” she said. “He's very caring and loving. He truly wants the best for this country, and he will fight every single day To make America great again.”

The Trump family featured heavily throughout the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee. Lara Trump, the wife of the president’s second son Eric Trump, delivered a speech on Tuesday evening and she serves as the co-chair of the Republican National Convention.

“Kai 2040,” one attendee said at the teen wrapped up her short speech - clearly pointing to the hope of some atttendees that Trump’s political life continues through his family tree.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in