Trump’s granddaughter speaks to the GOP nominee’s softer side
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Kai Trump speaks on stage on the third day of the Republican National Convention at the Fiserv Forum on July 17, 2024 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Photo: Andrew Harnik/Getty Images
Kai Trump, former President Trump's 17-year-old granddaughter, delivered a portrayal of her grandfather during her first major political appearance Wednesday not typical at Trump campaign events.
Why it matters: The eldest granddaughter of Trump, her appearance underscores a surprising shift toward presenting him as more human — and her emergence as a representative of the Trump family's next generation.
- "I'm speaking today to share the side of my grandpa that people don't often see," she said during her father's Donald Trump Jr.'s Republican National Convention speech Wednesday. "To me, he's just a normal grandpa."
- "The media makes my grandpa seem like a different person, but I know him for who he is," she said. "He's very caring and loving; he truly wants the best for this country."
- "And he will fight every day to make America great again," she concluded.
State of play: Donald Trump Jr. has been one of the most visible faces of Trump's politically involved family members this campaign cycle. Some who were involved during his administration have been scarcely found this year.
- Beyond Kai, Trump Jr.'s fiancé Kimberly Guilfoyle also spoke at the convention, and Lara Trump (Eric's spouse) is Republican National Committee co-chair.
Former first lady Melania Trump and Trump's youngest son Barron have not made appearances at the Milwaukee convention.
- Melania, who was historically reclusive during her time in Washington, has been largely absent from both campaign trail and the courtroom in recent years.
- Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner, both of whom were in public roles during Trump's first presidency, have also yet to appear at the convention.
- Tiffany Trump was not on lists of speakers but was seen at the convention.
The big picture: The assassination attempt Saturday cast a shadow over the celebratory convention — but inevitably became a major talking point for Republicans to tout both Trump's strength and humanity.
- The shooting could also provide the former president with an opportunity to redefine himself, Axios' Jim VandeHei and Mike Allen write.
- The GOP nominee told the Washington Examiner that the speech he's slated to deliver Thursday was going to slam President Biden's policies, but he rewrote it to be "a whole different speech" focused on unity.
- Throughout the 2020 campaign and the the 2024 rematch, Biden has framed himself as a unifier and Trump as a threat to democracy — but after Saturday's attack, RNC speakers have tried to flip the script.
Go deeper: "We Love Trump": RNC crowd gives GOP nominee a warm welcome
