Kai Trump, the granddaughter of US President Donald Trump, is facing criticism after launching her new clothing brand this week. She unveiled her label, which carries the “KT” logo, at the 2025 Ryder Cup alongside her grandfather. However, instead of applause, the brand has sparked controversy.
The main point of criticism is the logo. Many social media users claim it looks strikingly similar to the design from NFL star Travis Kelce’s collaboration with American Eagle, called ‘Tru Kolors’. Kai’s signature sweatshirt, priced at $130, was the centerpiece of her launch, but the resemblance of the logos quickly went viral online.
Adding to the backlash, critics accused Kai of misusing federal property for promotional purposes. Some pointed out that she announced the launch of her brand on Instagram only a day before photos emerged suggesting she used the White House setting to push her merchandise. This led to accusations that the move was unethical and another example of questionable business practices linked to the Trump family.
“Donald Trump’s granddaughter, Kai Trump, who’s been using the White House to promote her merch, has been caught stealing American Eagle’s logo,” one user wrote on X (formerly Twitter), while posting pictures of both logos side by side. The post also claimed that Kai may have violated the Lanham Act by implying government endorsement and misused federal property.
Not everyone agreed with the harshest accusations. Some users said the logos, while somewhat alike, used different fonts and might not legally qualify as infringement. One commenter wrote, “The logos look a little similar, but they’re in different fonts and that’s not actionable. The real question is why anyone would want to wear a Kai Trump sweatshirt.”
Others criticised the use of family influence, suggesting Kai should focus on originality. Another user questioned whether the letters were even arranged correctly, saying, “Isn’t hers backwards? The way I see it, it looks more like TK instead of KT.”
Shivam Verma is a journalist with over three years of experience in digital newsrooms. He currently works at NewsX, having previously worked for Firstpost and DNA India. A postgraduate diploma holder in Integrated Journalism from the Asian College of Journalism, Chennai, Shivam focuses on international affairs, diplomacy, defence, and politics. Beyond the newsroom, he is passionate about football—both playing and watching—and enjoys travelling to explore new places and cuisines.
