Kai Trump, the teenage golf sensation and granddaughter of Donald Trump, is positioning herself to emerge as a prominent MAGA influencer, excited to share delightful stories about her experiences with her re-elected “grandpa.”
This past weekend, the 17-year-old daughter of Donald Trump Jr. and his former spouse Vanessa Trump made headlines once more, this time imitating Grandfather Trump’s dance routines and golf swings while on his private jet—showcasing the aspirational lifestyle sought by social media users, combined with a carefully crafted image of her grandfather that conveniently overlooks his notorious penchant for crude remarks and profane language.
In the video alongside a friend, Kai Trump showcased some of her grandfather’s famously meme-worthy dance moves, set to the tune of the Village People’s “YMCA,” presenting a more cheerful, simplistic image of Trump, whom she characterizes as a “hard worker” for “all Americans” (aside from “bad hombres,” “nasty women,” and “dumb women,” along with various other groups he has frequently insulted).
On Kai’s social media channels, those unflattering remarks will be noticeably absent. Instead, the millions of followers will be treated to what the Daily Mail has referred to as “heartwarming” phone conversations between the two, alongside glimpses into their endearing “Sundays” spent together. In her portrayal, Trump emphasizes not that “America is a dumpster fire,” but rather encourages followers to “believe in yourself” even during challenging times. How charming!
The audio clips featuring Donald Trump on Kai Trump’s platforms consist of uplifting excerpts from his speeches, accompanied by slides of her beaming with her doting grandfather. If this is all you encounter from this affectionate, caring granddad, you might assume he never attempted to contest an election.
Her digital presence extends the narrative she presented during her grandfather’s campaign at last July’s Republican National Convention when she endeavored to “illustrate the side of my grandpa that is often overlooked.” She also showcases how “incredible” honorary Uncle Trump, Elon Musk is, by enthusiastically sharing moments from her visit to SpaceX.
Her public admiration for her grandfather starkly contrasts with other, more defiant Gen Z offspring of MAGA parents, like Claudia Conway, the daughter of Trump advisor Kellyanne Conway, who criticized Trump as “not a real Republican” over the summer—or Ted Cruz’s daughter Caroline, who went viral for mocking Trump during her father’s celebratory victory address earlier this month following his and the president-elect’s election victories.
However, Kai Trump appears to be pursuing a distinct long-term strategy. In her perspective, it’s not only Donald Trump who appears favorably. The aspiring golfer herself embodies the ideals of a dedicated athlete, exuding all the online markers of a fabulously privileged life—the essential characteristic for a successful influencer.
For those who are among the numerous Trump supporters who, as his former White House aide Alyssa Farah Griffin has frequently stated on The View, “doesn’t favor his personality or his comments” yet still voted for him—Kai Trump’s social media provides a realm of blissful naivety, allowing individuals to fantasize, against gorgeous, sunlit backdrops, that everything is fine in the world, perhaps even that Trump never truly meant any of those fascist remarks he made.
