Kai Trump, granddaughter of President Donald Trump, launched her Tru Kolors merchandise line on September 28, 2025. The collection, featuring $130 sweatshirts promoted in a White House video, showcases a logo with a “T” over a “K.” However, Swifties quickly noticed its striking similarity to NFL star Travis Kelce’s Tru Kolors brand logo, sparking widespread criticism.
Swifties, fans of Taylor Swift linked to Kelce through her relationship, led the online outrage. For example, one X user posted, “This logo is a direct ripoff of Travis Kelce’s brand!” Another wrote, “Typical Trump move, copying without shame.” Consequently, the controversy has fueled debates about originality and intellectual property.
Travis Kelce launched Tru Kolors in 2019, emphasising authentic style and a “live to play” ethos. Recently, he partnered with American Eagle for a second collection, offering over 90 items, including tees and jackets, priced from $14.95 to $179.95, which was released on September 24. Additionally, a Blip Coffee Roasters pop-up event held before a Chiefs-Ravens playoff game significantly boosted the brand’s visibility.
Swifties Are MAD That Donald Trump's Granddaughter, Kai, Launched A Clothing Line With A Similar Logo To Travis Kelce's Tru Kolorshttps://t.co/sJFOjQNRO3https://t.co/sJFOjQNRO3
— Whiskey Riff (@WhiskeyRiff) October 2, 2025Kelce’s TK logo, featuring a “T” above a “K,” is displayed on hats, clothing, and accessories. As a result, it’s a cornerstone of his sports and lifestyle brand identity. Therefore, any similar design invites scrutiny, especially from his loyal fanbase.
Social media erupted with accusations of copying. Terms like “ripoff” and “grifting” trended, with one X post stating, “Kai’s logo is a Temu knockoff of Kelce’s.” Others tied it to past Trump family controversies, noting, “Lack of originality runs in the family.” Swifties even called for Kelce to pursue legal action, with comments like, “Travis, your logo’s trademarked, right?”
Read: Kai Trump Stars in Accelerator Energy Ad, Teases Grandfather Donald Trump
The White House photoshoot for Kai’s launch drew further criticism. Fans labelled it inappropriate for commercial promotion, amplifying the backlash. Thus, the digital age’s rapid scrutiny turned a small launch into a viral storm.
Distinctive logos used commercially can qualify for trademark protection. Kelce’s Tru Kolors design likely meets this standard, given its market presence. If his team views Kai’s logo as infringing, a legal dispute could arise. Even slight differences, like the “T” length, may not shield Kai’s design, experts suggest.
Kai and her representatives have not addressed the criticism. Meanwhile, her line accepts pre-orders, touting USA-made organic cotton sweatshirts, though manufacturing details remain unclear.
