Kai Trump Breaks Down in Tears Over College Move: 'I'm Struggling Right Now'

Not every goodbye comes with cameras rolling, but for Kai Trump, hers did.

The 19-year-old granddaughter of Donald Trump has been documenting her move to the University of Miami on her YouTube channel, and her latest instalment took an unexpectedly raw turn. Rather than showcasing dorm decor or campus tours, the vlog shows Kai in tears as she admits the transition has hit her harder than she expected.

Kai Trump's Tearful First Week at the University of Miami

Kai documented the days surrounding her move from Jupiter, Florida, to a new apartment in South Beach in her 29 August vlog. 'I've been, like, literally sobbing,' she told viewers, adding that she does not usually consider herself an emotional person but could not stop herself from feeling that way.

'I'm just struggling right now, just, like, thinking about it,' she said, referring to saying goodbye to friends and family. Her mother, Vanessa Trump, was due to stay with her for one more day before heading home.

The adjustment proved tougher than she had expected. Kai said she had barely been eating, prompting her close friend Emma to bring her food.

During her first week at school, Kai said she developed strep throat and returned to Jupiter for several days to recover before heading back to Miami. Kai has said Miami is only a relatively short drive from home, which meant she was still relatively close to home, even if it did little to ease the sadness in the moment.

Viewers Rally Behind Kai Trump After Her Emotional Vlog

The video struck a chord with viewers, with many recalling their own first days away from home. Comments beneath the vlog were largely sympathetic.

Several viewers urged Kai to see her sadness as a normal part of leaving home, saying it would ease once she settled into a routine.

One commenter suggested she think of it as saying 'see you later' rather than goodbye.

Others praised Kai for sharing a more vulnerable side of her transition to college. One commenter said the homesickness would only last a short while before she adapted and began enjoying college life with her friends.

Another admitted the vlog made them feel old after going through a similar experience themselves years earlier.

Vanessa Trump's Cancer Treatment Adds Context to Kai's Transition

Kai's emotional send-off came as her mother, Vanessa Trump, continues to recover from breast cancer treatment. Vanessa revealed in May that she had been diagnosed with breast cancer, just weeks before Kai's high school graduation.

In June, Vanessa said she was recovering from surgery and preparing to begin the next stage of her treatment. She did not disclose further details about the procedure or treatment.

In July, at the ESPY Awards, Kai gave a health update on her mother's condition. 'My mum's doing good,' she told Page Six. 'She's doing better.'

Kai has often spoken warmly about her mother, including describing Vanessa as 'the strongest person I know' in a social media tribute following her diagnosis. The pair's close relationship has also been evident as Vanessa supported Kai through her move to college, including helping her shop for essentials for her new apartment.

Alongside Kai, Vanessa shares four other children with her ex-husband, Donald Trump Jr — Donald, Tristan, Spencer and Chloe. Kai is the eldest of the five siblings.