Kai Trump, the eldest granddaughter of former President Donald Trump, has made a high-profile entrance into the fashion world, but her debut is already mired in controversy. On September 28, 2025, the 18-year-old announced the launch of her “KT” clothing brand via Instagram, using the White House as a striking backdrop for her promotional photos. The brand’s signature item—a $130 white sweatshirt emblazoned with a bold “KT” logo—quickly became the center of heated debate online, with critics questioning everything from the design’s originality to the ethics of leveraging presidential imagery for personal gain.
The launch was anything but low-key. Just days before the announcement, Kai was spotted at the 2025 Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black golf course, confidently wearing her brand’s signature sweatshirt while appearing alongside her grandfather. According to Hola, this public debut, combined with the high-profile setting of the White House and Lincoln Memorial in her photos, set social media abuzz. The images were seen by many as blurring the line between politics and personal business, reigniting longstanding questions about the Trump family’s approach to mixing public influence with private enterprise.
The reaction online was swift and, for the most part, critical. A chorus of social media users accused the KT brand of copying the American Eagle Outfitters logo, pointing out the visual similarities between the two monogrammed designs. Some even referenced the Lanham Act—which governs trademark law in the United States—suggesting that the logo’s resemblance could pose legal issues, especially given the implied government endorsement from the White House backdrop. One user cited potential violations, saying, “This is not just about a logo. It’s about the message you send when you use federal property for personal profit.”
But the controversy didn’t stop there. The ethics of using the White House—a symbol of American democracy—for a commercial launch were hotly debated. Critics described the move as a grift, arguing that it reflected poorly on the Trump family’s business practices. According to Hindustan Times, the backlash extended to the brand’s pricing and transparency. The debut collection, initially consisting solely of sweaters priced at $130 (about 110 euros), was launched without a country-of-origin label, sparking speculation that the garments were manufactured in China. In response to mounting criticism, a “Made in USA” label was quickly added to the collection to quell concerns about outsourcing.
Kai’s actions during the Ryder Cup appearance also drew scrutiny. Observers noted that she kept one hand tucked into her sweater pocket even while waving or shaking hands—an action interpreted by some as a deliberate branding gesture to spotlight the apparel. As 서울신문 reported, this detail, while seemingly minor, became yet another talking point in the broader debate about the Trump family’s knack for leveraging public attention for commercial purposes.
The White House, for its part, responded to the uproar by clarifying that there are no specific regulations prohibiting photography on the premises. Officials emphasized that Kai’s products are not endorsed by the government, seeking to distance the administration from the commercial venture. However, this statement did little to quell concerns about the broader implications of presidential imagery being used to promote private business—especially when the entrepreneur in question is a member of the former first family.
The controversy surrounding the KT brand is hardly an isolated incident for the Trumps. As AP연합뉴스 noted, Donald Trump’s sons—Donald Jr. and Eric—have reportedly profited from meme coins leveraging their parents’ names, while Ivanka Trump previously ran her own fashion label before shutting it down amid backlash during her tenure as a White House advisor. For many critics, Kai’s foray into fashion is simply the latest example of the family’s ongoing pattern of intertwining political power with personal enterprise.
Yet not all the attention has been negative. Some observers see Kai’s launch as a textbook example of Gen Z entrepreneurship. Gen Z finance expert Taylor Price, speaking to The Telegraph, praised the move, saying, “Gen Z is entering the creative economy in a big way, and their lines are often the first step towards building a personal brand. If managed well, this project could turn into millions in profits.” Price’s comments highlight a generational shift in how young people approach business, with personal branding and social media playing an increasingly central role.
Kai’s collection, which includes unisex sports T-shirts and sweatshirts in black, white, and dark blue, aims to offer high-quality, mix-and-match staple pieces for everyday wear. The simple design variations are intended to appeal to a broad audience, but the $130 price tag has prompted skepticism among some social media users, who question whether the value matches the cost—especially for a debut brand. Some critics have also pointed out that the “KT” logo bears a resemblance not only to American Eagle’s mark but also to that of athlete Travis Kelce, adding another layer to the debate over originality and intellectual property.
Despite the firestorm, Kai Trump has not publicly responded to the accusations of logo copying or the ethical concerns raised by her launch. Instead, she appears focused on her future, both in fashion and athletics. A senior at The Benjamin School, she has already secured a sports scholarship to the University of Miami, where she will join the university golf team starting in the fall of 2025. According to American media reports cited by The Telegraph, Kai has already earned over a million dollars from sports-related sponsorships, indicating that her path to success extends beyond the world of fashion.
The KT brand’s debut has ignited a debate that reaches far beyond the confines of the fashion industry. It has placed the spotlight firmly on the intersection of family, politics, and commerce, raising difficult questions about the boundaries between public office and private profit. As the Trump family’s business ventures continue to attract intense scrutiny, how Kai Trump and her team navigate this first major public relations challenge will be crucial. The consumer response in the weeks and months ahead will determine whether KT becomes a lasting name in fashion or a cautionary tale about the perils of personal branding in a hyper-politicized era.
For now, the launch of Kai Trump’s KT clothing line stands as a vivid illustration of how quickly personal branding efforts can trigger powerful—and sometimes unpredictable—public backlash in today’s social media-driven world.
