Kai Trump is getting real about the challenges of starting college. The 19-year-old granddaughter of President Donald Trump, now a freshman on the University of Miami women's golf team, took to YouTube to share her emotional transition into campus life—and it hasn't been all sunshine and birdies.
In a candid vlog, Trump revealed that her first week in Miami was far from smooth sailing. Not only did she have to say goodbye to her family and friends back home in Jupiter, Florida, but she also came down with a nasty case of strep throat that forced her to return home for some TLC from her mom.
“I’ve been, like, literally sobbing,” Trump said in the video, visibly overwhelmed. “It’s just, like, really sad that I have to say goodbye to, like, everyone today. I’m not, like, a very emotional person at all, so this is, like, really weird for me to cry.”
The freshman admitted she's been struggling with the big life change, but she's also excited for what lies ahead. “I’m just struggling right now just, like, thinking about it, but, like, I’m excited,” she added.
Trump's friend Emma helped her move into her new apartment, even stocking her fridge with frozen meals because, as Trump confessed, “I haven’t eaten in like three days.” The homesickness hit hard, but she's pushing through.
Her first week on campus took an unexpected turn when she got sick. “I got sick with strep on Wednesday, my first week of school,” she said. “I came all the way back to Jupiter because I was so sick. I needed, like, my mom to nurse me back to health.”
Now that she's recovered, Trump is back in Miami and ready to make her mark on the Hurricanes' golf program. She recently shared her official team photos on Instagram, captioning them “Year 1 🫡 #gocanes,” a sign that she's settling in and looking forward to her freshman season.
Trump committed to Miami two years ago, and her arrival has already generated buzz—her official team photo went viral after she posted it. She's part of a new wave of college athletes navigating the pressures of big-time sports and public scrutiny, a challenge that's becoming increasingly common in the world of college athletics.
While Trump's transition has been rocky, her honesty about the emotional toll is resonating with fans. It's a reminder that even the most privileged newcomers can feel the weight of leaving home. As she settles into her new routine, she'll have plenty of support from her teammates and coaches.
For now, Kai Trump is taking it one day at a time—and with a little help from frozen dinners and her mom's care, she's ready to tackle her freshman year on and off the course.
