Growing up in New York, Kai spent much of her early years with her family and her uncle Barron Trump, who is close in age. These formative years were marked by family traditions and a strong bond with her grandparents, particularly Donald Trump. Despite being part of one of America’s most high-profile families, Kai managed to maintain a relatively low profile during her childhood.

It wasn’t until Donald Trump’s 2016 presidential campaign that she began appearing in official family photos. However, it wasn’t until 2024 that Kai truly stepped into the public eye, delivering a heartfelt speech at the Republican National Convention. In her speech, she described her grandfather as a “normal grandpa” who sneaks her candy, checks in on her school progress, and proudly shares her accomplishments, such as her high honor roll, with his friends.