Former President Donald Trump beamed with pride as his eldest grandchild addressed the crowd at the Republican National Convention on Wednesday.
The eldest daughter of Donald Trump Jr. and his ex-wife, Vanessa Trump, delivered a touching and sometimes humorous speech that belied it being her first time speaking publicly. Kai Trump took the stage after an introduction from her father to clear up some misconceptions about the man she calls her “grandpa.”
“I’m speaking today to share the side of my grandpa that people don’t often see,” the 17-year-old said. “To me, he’s just a normal grandpa. He gives us candy and soda when our parents aren’t looking. He always wants to know how we’re doing in school.”
My daughter Kai Trump’s first speech pic.twitter.com/QeL18Gb75R
— Donald Trump Jr. (@DonaldJTrumpJr) July 18, 2024
“When I made the high honor roll, he printed it out to show his friends how proud he was of me,” she added, as a beaming Trump looked on. “He calls me during the middle of the school day to ask how my golf game is going and tells me all about his. But then I have to remind him that I’m in school and I’ll have to call him back later.”
“When we play golf together, if I’m not his team, he’ll try to get inside of my head. And he’s always surprised that I don’t let him get to me. But I have to remind him I’m a Trump, too,” she continued.
NEW!
President Donald J. Trump:
“My Granddaughter Kai, who is winning all over the place, just won the Women’s Club Championship, at 14 years old, at Trump International Golf Club, Palm Beach. A very strong and talented young lady.”https://t.co/ByaK0N4Xiu pic.twitter.com/pazKbApv6g
— Liz Harrington (@realLizUSA) April 23, 2022
Trump’s granddaughter shared how “shocked” she was at the news that he had been shot at during a rally in Pennsylvania last weekend.
“On Saturday, I was shocked when I heard that he had been shot, and I just wanted to know if he was okay. It was heartbreaking that someone would do that to another person,” she said.
She stated that “a lot of people have put my grandfather through hell,” but noted to cheers that “he’s still standing.”
“Grandpa, you are such an inspiration and I love you,” she told him.
“The media makes my grandpa seem like a different person, but I know him for who he is. 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,” Kai Trump said.
The most heartwarming moment of the night: Trump’s grandson hugging him at the RNC convention. ❤️ pic.twitter.com/uElKl8JEoW
— Freedom (@PU28453638) July 18, 2024
“Even when he’s going through all these court cases, he always asks me how I’m doing. He always encourages me to push myself to be the most successful person I can be,” she told the crowd. “Obviously, he sets the bar pretty high, but who knows, maybe one day I’ll catch him.”
The short, heartwarming speech won hearts all around and the praise poured in on X.
Sweet, beautiful, heartfelt and poised! You must be proud!
— Liz Wheeler (@Liz_Wheeler) July 18, 2024
Brilliant move for @DonaldJTrumpJr to have his daughter speak
The adoring look on Trump’s face was a perfect counterpoint to the smears of him
Bravo Kai
Well Done pic.twitter.com/o0YQZb6Fdk— Jim Hanson (@JimHansonDC) July 18, 2024
We were introduced to a future leader of the U.S. tonight. She might not end up as President (though who knows), but it was a thrill to hear the next generation of leaders the RNC convention. Kia is a reason for optimism upon our countries future.
— Warren Danforth (@warren_danforth) July 18, 2024
She is beautiful and did her grandpa proud!
— Staci Herrley (@StaciHerrley) July 18, 2024
She’s gorgeous, and her speech was beautiful.
The Trumps raise amazing kids.— Sara Rose (@saras76) July 18, 2024
She brought down the house. Epic.
— Robby Starbuck (@robbystarbuck) July 18, 2024
It brought tears to my eyes watching how proud he is of his granddaughter
— Annie (@AnnieThePoolmom) July 18, 2024
Writers and editors can be contacted at [email protected] with feedback, tips, or corrections.
Originally from New York, Powers graduated from New York University and eventually made her way to sunny South Florida. Powers also contributes to BizPac Review.
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