Kai Trump, granddaughter of former President Donald Trump, shared in a video on social media the emotions and challenges she faced during her first week as a college freshman. The 19-year-old, also known for her work as an influencer, got emotional when detailing the adaptation period and the distance from her family. The video was published on September 3, 2026.
In his outburst, Kai expressed the difficulty in adjusting to the university routine, even returning home to Jupiter, Florida, to receive support from his mother. The experience reflects the pressures of the transition to independent living, even for figures with strong public exposure and family support.
The challenges of adapting to university life
Even before starting classes at the University of Miami, where she is part of the women’s golf team, Kai Trump was already demonstrating her fragility. “I literally cried my eyes out,” she said as she prepared to leave the house, describing the sadness of having to say goodbye to her family.
The influencer admitted to not being a “very emotional” person, which made the situation even more unusual for her. “It’s really weird for me to cry. I’ve only cried a few times. But, like, knowing that I have to say goodbye to everyone tonight is really, really bad,” he added.
The transition and support from friends
Despite the euphoria with the new phase, the young woman faced complicated moments right from the beginning. After moving to university, she revealed that she had become ill with strep throat. The illness led her to an unusual decision for a freshman.
“I went back to Jupiter because I was so sick that I needed my mother to take care of me until I recovered,” Kai said. During the adaptation period, she also had the help of friends, one of whom even brought her frozen food, as he had confessed to not having eaten for three days.
History of controversies and public life
Kai Trump’s life has been closely followed by the public, not only because she is Donald Trump’s granddaughter, but also because of her activities as an influencer. In March, she was the target of criticism for a video deemed “insensitive” on YouTube. Originally titled “I Took My Secret Service to Erewhon”, the content was later changed to “I Tried the Most Expensive Supermarket in the World”.
In the video, the teenager showed the purchase of high-value items, such as a US$21 smoothie and a US$10 lemonade, and complained about the high prices of the brand’s products, such as a US$165 sweatshirt. Interestingly, Kai herself sells sweatshirts from her clothing line for US$130. In 2025, Kai’s net worth was estimated at more than US$1 million, as a result of several contracts.
Golf career and the University of Miami
Despite personal challenges and public criticism, Kai Trump has a promising golf career. Daughter of Donald Jr. and Vanessa, she entered the University of Miami two years ago. In an Instagram post, she thanked her parents and grandfather, who is also her frequent golf partner, for their support on her journey.
“I would like to thank my grandfather for providing me with access to great courses and tremendous support,” she wrote at the time. The University of Miami, in a 2025 press release, identified her as a “rising player” when announcing her signing to the women’s golf team. Janice Olivencia, the team’s head coach, stated that “Kai will bring a lot of energy and enthusiasm to Miami.”
The weight of the Trump surname in personal life
Kai Trump’s college experience, with his public outburst and the controversies that surround it, illuminates the impact of carrying such a well-known surname. The vulnerability expressed by the young woman contrasts with the image of strength often associated with the Trump family, revealing the pressure and constant scrutiny on figures linked to high-level politics. Even in moments of personal transition, Kai’s life is scrutinized, turning everyday challenges into news.
