EXCLUSIVE: Donald Trump's granddaughter Kai becomes President's 'apprentice' as she 'learns' at Ryder Cup
Kai Trump showed signs of 'hero-worshipping' her granddad Donald Trump as the pair arrived to watch the first day of the Ryder Cup, body language expert Judi James told the Mirror
Donald Trump's granddaughter Kai appeared to 'hero worship' the US president when they appeared together at the Ryder Cup, a body language expert has said.
The 18-year-old was seen walking next her 79-year-old grandfather as the pair arrived at Bethpage Black in New York on Friday for the opening session of the biennial golf tournament. Kai, who recently launched a range of merchandise in an apparent attempt to capitalise on her influencer career, wore an item of her own branded clothing as she walked past the cameras - a white jumper with red-and-blue initials reading 'KT'.
But body language expert Judi James noticed something else about Kai as she made the rare public appearance.
She told the Mirror : “There were some clear signs of hero-worship from talented golfer Kai to her granddad the President here. Trump doesn't fuss over Kai although one affectionate pat on the back suggested pride.
“Kai adopted the more reverential space and watchful gaze of Trump's apprentice here, learning through copy and mirroring rather than being actively tutored. When Trump worked the cheers of the crowd up by waving his arms playfully, Kai took over the 'revving up' gesticulation behind his back."
Judi observed how, as Trump went along a line to shake hands with other spectators in the granstand, Kai "waited tentatively until about halfway down the line" before "plunging in and shaking some hands herself".
"Trump's behaviour suggests there's some mutual pride going on between the pair," she added. "But the way he leaves her to follow and learn suggests he's also aware of her levels of confidence and desire to create an independent presence."
Kai Trump, daughter of Donald Trump Jr, spoke publicly for the first time last year at the 2024 Republican National Convention, aged 17. She described Trump Sr as a "normal grandpa" who "gives us candy and soda when our parents aren’t looking", adding that he "calls me during the middle of the school day to ask how my golf game is going".
Recalling how they had played together, the US president said back in April: "I play a lot of golf with Kai and she’s a fantastic golfer. She’s doing really well and she wins a lot of matches.
"Some day she’ll be able to beat her grandfather, but I’m not sure when that’ll be. It might be a long time." The teen currently plays for her high school golf team, the Benjamin School in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida.
Team Europe began the Ryder Cup in style on the first day, winning the foursomes session 3-1, while home star Bryson DeChambeau floundered amid a disappointing start for Team United States.