Kai Trump: The latest name from an American dynasty
Donald Trump’s oldest grandchild, Kai Trump, spoke at the Republican National Convention this week. Photo: Kamil Krzaczynski / AFP
By Ana Faguy, BBC News, Washington
Before politics, Donald Trump built a dynasty with a multimillion-dollar inheritance, a brand name and a lot of expensive real estate.
Now that brand – and that name – is synonymous with the Republican Party, with various Trumps now wielding influence.
Here are the most prominent members of the Trump family you might see on the stage at the party’s convention.
Donald Trump Jr
Donald Trump Jr, the eldest of the Trump children. Photo: BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI/AFP
Donald Trump Jr, the eldest of the Trump children, has taken on a larger role in the years since his father left the White House.
He was prominent in the media during the selection of Trump’s running-mate JD Vance, who he says is a friend. “It’s an incredible pick,” said at the RNC. “Truly a great choice.”
He made no secret Ohio Senator JD Vance was his first pick and earlier this week, he got his wish.
Donald Trump Jr was previously married to Vanessa Trump, with whom he shares five children. He is now engaged to Kimberly Guilfoyle.
Eric Trump
Eric Trump, the third of the former president’s children. Photo: ANDREW CABALLERO-REYNOLDS/AFP
Like his brother, Eric Trump, the third of the former president’s children, has lobbied his father about issues important to him, according to reports.
He has kept a less public persona than his older brother but also maintains a leading presence in the Trump family business.
Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner
Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner. Photo: AFP
Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner were arguably the most influential members of the former president’s family during Trump’s first stint in the White House.
The pair have been married since 2009 and share three children.
During the former president’s time in the White House, Ivanka Trump made numerous appearances on behalf of her father and his administration.
Kushner held a senior adviser role in the White House from 2017 to 2021.
Tiffany Trump
The fourth child of the former president and the only one of Trump’s children born to his second wife, Marla Maples.
She has not maintained any political role in her father’s campaigns or time in the White House.
She has been married to Michael Boulos since 2022.
Kimberly Guilfoyle
Kimberly Guilfoyle and Donald Trump Jr have been together for six years and engaged since 2020.
She was a Fox News presenter from 2006 to 2018, before leaving to become a member of a pro-Trump super PAC.
Like her fiancé, she has been an outspoken supporter of the former president, particularly in TV appearances.
She was married to California Governor Gavin Newsom in the early 2000s.
Lara Trump
Lara Trump, wife of Eric Trump. Photo: Alex Wong/Getty Images/AFP
Married to Eric, she is the rising star of the family, particularly since she began serving as RNC co-chair earlier this year. She has two children with Eric.
She told the convention what the former president was like as a father-in-law.
Melania Trump
Melania Trump, Donald Trump’s current wife. Photo: AFP / ALEX EDELMAN
Former First Lady Melania Trump has been married to Trump since 2005.
She maintained a low profile during Trump’s term in office and has rarely made public appearances since.
While she has held Republican fundraisers in the past year, her expected appearance at the RNC this week would be her first major appearance of this election cycle.
Barron Trump, 18, is her only child with Trump.
Barron Trump
Barron Trump made a campaign appearance earlier this month with his father, but otherwise has largely stayed out of the spotlight.
In May, it was reported he would be among the delegates from the state of Florida who would attend the RNC in July, but a day later his mother stated that he had declined the offer.
He graduated in May from Oxbridge Academy in Palm Beach, Florida, and will head to university in the autumn, according to Trump. However, the family has not said which institution he will attend.
Kai Trump
Kai Trump is the eldest of Trump’s grandchildren and the daughter of Donald Trump Jr and his former wife Vanessa Trump.
The 17-year-old is an avid golfer and spoke at the RNC on Wednesday about what Trump is like as a grandfather.
