Donald Trump has found himself at the centre of another social media storm, after a photo with his granddaughter Kai Trump was branded ‘disgusting.’

Kai, 19, is the eldest child of Donald Trump Jr. and Vanessa Trump, and the US president’s eldest grandchild.

The young golfer and social media personality has built a substantial online following, sharing glimpses of her life, sporting ambitions and experiences growing up in one of America’s most recognisable political families.

She also became more widely known after delivering a speech in support of her grandfather at the 2024 Republican National Convention, where she offered a personal account of what he was like away from politics.

Kai has previously described Trump as a ‘just a normal grandpa,’ per ABC, portraying him as a loving family member rather than simply the president.

However, a photograph shared alongside a message of praise for her grandfather has attracted a very different response from some social media users.

Who is Donald Trump’s granddaughter Kai?

Kai Madison Trump was born in New York City on May 12, 2007, and is the eldest of five children born to Donald Trump Jr. and Vanessa Trump.

She attended The Benjamin School in Florida before graduating in May 2026, and has pursued competitive golf alongside her growing online career.

Kai has competed in several tournaments, including making her debut on the LPGA Tour in 2025. She has also committed to playing collegiate golf for the University of Miami.

Her sporting interests have helped her develop partnerships with brands, while her social media channels have attracted millions of followers across platforms.

Kai’s public profile grew significantly after her speech at the Republican National Convention in 2024, when she spoke warmly about her grandfather and shared personal anecdotes about their relationship.

Her appearance was widely discussed as an attempt to show a more personal side of Trump to voters, particularly younger audiences.

Since then, she has continued posting videos and photographs documenting her life, including family moments and experiences connected to her grandfather’s political career.

Trump’s approval rating faces fresh scrutiny

The online backlash comes as Trump faces renewed pressure over his popularity ahead of the US midterm elections on November 3.

A Reuters/Ipsos poll reported by Sky News on October 20 found that just 31 per cent of respondents approved of the president’s performance in office, marking a record low across his two terms.

When asked which party they would support if congressional elections were held that day, 47 per cent selected the Democrats, compared with 35 per cent who chose the Republicans.

The results could prove significant for the balance of power in Washington, with all 435 seats in the House of Representatives and around one-third of Senate seats being contested.

Republicans currently hold narrow majorities in both chambers, and losing control of either could make it more difficult for Trump to advance his agenda.

According to Sky News, the president’s popularity has been affected by concerns over the economy, including higher energy prices and borrowing costs.

The report noted that the national average price of petrol had risen to $4.29 a gallon, despite Trump’s previous campaign pledge to bring it below $2.

Mortgage costs have also remained well above the levels he had promised, with the average 30-year fixed-rate mortgage reported at 7.4 per cent.

The poll found that 68 per cent of Americans disapproved of Trump’s handling of the economy, including more than a third of respondents who identified as Republicans.

Kai Trump shares message celebrating her grandfather

Kai has previously made clear that she admires her grandfather, and she reiterated that affection in a post on Instagram.

In a message shared with her followers, she praised Trump’s work and expressed pride in him, writing: “No one works harder or cares more about the American people. Congratulations Grandpa, I love you!”

The post was accompanied by a photograph of the pair, with Kai celebrating him publicly.

Her message was clearly intended as a supportive tribute to her grandfather, but it also drew criticism from some users who strongly disagreed with her assessment of his presidency.

The reaction comes amid an increasingly contentious political climate in the United States, with Trump’s administration facing scrutiny over a range of domestic and international issues.

Social media users hit back at the post

Some commenters challenged Kai’s claim that Trump cares deeply about the American public, while others reacted more bluntly to the photograph itself.

One person wrote: “Trump sure doesn’t care about the American people.”

Another appeared to take aim at the president’s frequent golfing, commenting sarcastically: “Yes it’s hard golfing all the time.”

A further response was simply: “Gross. Just gross.”

The reactions highlight the divide that continues to surround Trump, whose supporters frequently praise his leadership while critics question his priorities and policies.

Kai’s post, however, was a personal expression of affection for a family member, and the comments reflect the political opinions of those responding rather than any independently established fact about their relationship.

Trump faces criticism beyond social media

The president has also attracted attention for a series of controversial posts on his Truth Social platform.

On Monday, he suggested that New Mexico should change its name to “New America”, writing: “We are not Mexico, we are the United States of America!”

The proposal drew attention because New Mexico’s name dates back centuries, long before the United States was established. Any official change would need to be made by the state itself.

The latest controversy follows other criticism of Trump’s public appearances, including protests and heckling at a rally in Kansas, where some attendees were reportedly removed from the arena.

With the midterm elections approaching, Trump’s popularity and the public reaction to his administration are likely to remain under close scrutiny.

For Kai, meanwhile, the response to her post illustrates how even personal family tributes can become part of a much wider political debate when the person being celebrated is one of the most divisive figures in American public life.