Kai Trump Aims for Love Island Glam, Ends Up Looking “Just as Orange as Her...Grandpa”

Kai Trump aimed for a Love Island bombshell look but ended up as fodder for online mockery, with many likening her appearance to her grandfather's notorious complexion.

The 19-year-old, daughter of Donald Trump Jr. and Vanessa Haydon, made her debut at the 2026 ESPY Awards held at the David H. Koch Theater in New York City on July 15. This event marked her entry into the public eye ahead of her freshman season with the University of Miami women’s golf team.

For the awards, she donned a shimmering gold gown featuring a plunging sweetheart neckline, crystal trim, and a thigh-high slit. She accessorized with strappy metallic stiletto sandals, a crystal choker, and dangling gold earrings. However, her bronzed skin and spray tan drew sharp criticism online, with users pointing out the striking resemblance to her grandfather's signature orange hue.

Kai documented the event on her YouTube channel, starting with footage of her makeup application. Her makeup artist, Brianna, flew in from Florida specifically for this occasion, defying the norm of hiring local New York stylists.

“Watch me get my makeup done,” Kai said in her vlog as Brianna laid out her glam plan. “Welcome to the ESPY's glam,” Brianna announced, showcasing high-end products like Rhode glazing milks and Chanel eye patches. “We’re going for, like, bombshell,” she added, to which Kai enthusiastically responded, “Hot bombshell like we just walked on Love Island.”

Staying at Trump International Hotel before the event, Kai expressed her nerves and slight nausea leading up to the ESPYs. Despite her aspirations for a glamorous look, social media users unleashed a barrage of criticism regarding her deep tan.

Comments flooded in on platforms like Instagram and TikTok. One user quipped, “Looking just as orange as her...grandpa.” Another remarked, “The Trump look is all over,” while a third stated, “She can barely play golf, but let’s invite her to the ESPYs. Get her out of here!!! Better yet, get her out of my country!! Don’t care how old she is, all Trumps must go!! Plus that dress looks tacky.”

Others chimed in with remarks like, “She’s becoming orange,” and “She’s almost the same color as the [red] carpet.” Critiques continued with comments about the poor quality of her fake tan.

Following her appearance at the ESPYs, a body language expert suggested that Kai likely faced significant family pressure. Judi James commented on the situation, noting that all Trump women seem adept at mastering the “perfect pose” while maintaining a beauty pageant smile. Despite this pressure, she observed that Kai appears to possess this skill as well.