Every April, Augusta National reminds the world that its rules apply to everyone. No phone, no exception, no appeals. This year, that reminder came with a bit more controversy than usual, and the accusations fell on the President’s granddaughter.

Kai Trump, who is set to play at the University of Miami next year, attended the Masters during the practice week and later posted photos from her visit on Instagram, captioning them, “What a special place.” One image appeared to show her taking a selfie. And the golf world reacted swiftly, with patrons accusing her of violating one of Augusta’s most ironclad policies and calling for her to be banned from the grounds permanently.

However, Trump took to Instagram to clear up the controversy.  In a GRWM reel she recently posted, Trump confirmed she had not brought a phone onto the Augusta grounds.

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“I am glad that you can’t take your phone because it makes the experience so much more special, she said. I actually ended up bringing my Sony camera, where I took all my photos from.”

This clarification comes after she had already doubled down in the comments section of her carousel post. “Taken with my Sony camera 📸❤️.” However, the criticism didn’t really die down. “She’s clearly taking a selfie. Nobody takes a selfie with a regular camera. It’s a cell phone. Ban her!” one commentator wrote.

Now, while cameras appear on the list of prohibited items at the Masters, there’s nuance to understand. Here’s the Master’s camera policy for better understanding:

Cameras are strictly prohibited on Tournament days (Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday). On Practice Round days (Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday), cameras are permitted for still photography and personal use only. Only one camera lens is permitted during Practice Rounds, and it may not exceed more than 8 inches in length when fully extended. 

Besides that, the timeline never supported the accusations either. Bryson DeChambeau, pictured alongside Kai in one of the photos, was holding a beer and wearing attire not seen during the rounds. And the contrast with what happened elsewhere on the same grounds the same week makes Kai’s clarification more believable.

During Masters week on Tuesday, security removed the 1989 Open champion Mark Calcavecchia for using a cell phone on the tournament grounds. Calcavecchia, a former Masters runner-up, attended the event as an honorary invitee, and did not deny the incident.

When reached by the interviewer, he said, “I’ve got nothing negative to say about Augusta National Golf Club and the Masters,” before ending the call.

The removal served as a reminder of how tightly Augusta controls its grounds. And we have seen enough examples. One coach was dismissed for wearing shorts once, patrons have been removed for phone use, and Golf Channel broadcaster Charlie Rymer, who was ejected in 2011, is also on this list. The rule applies to everyone, and Augusta National has made it clear. Whether it’s past champions, guests, or patrons, all are treated alike.

Kai, for her part, remains unbothered. “When you get on the grounds, you kind of get chills,” she said. “It was really special to be there and just support the players.”

She also confirmed she was visibly tired during her visit, but said it did not dampen the experience. Her trip actually comes during a busy stretch. She is finishing high school and has committed to the University of Miami’s women’s golf program for Class 2026, as she continues to recover from wrist surgery.

That said, the Masters controversy was not the first time Kai found herself at the receiving end of public criticism this month.

Kai Trump’s Five-Year Plan Video Drew Its Own Wave of Online Backlash

Kai Trump recently posted an Ask Me Anything series on her TikTok page and answered a question: Where does she see herself in five years? The question would be boring or dreaded for some 18-year-olds. However, Kai was quick to share her plans.

Kai said that she hopes to graduate from college, earn a spot on the LPGA Tour, and continue building her brand as an influencer. She also teased that she has something in the works but is not ready to share details yet.

The comment section, however, was again unforgiving. Many viewers did not have an issue with the answer itself, but the context surrounding it. Her grandfather, President Donald Trump, has presided over a period of significant global tension. To many watching, a carefree video about LPGA dreams and brand deals felt out of step with that reality. “Tell grandpa to stop, it’s actually getting sad,” one person wrote.

This pattern of criticism has followed her social media presence for a while now. In early April, Kai posted a TikTok of her lip-syncing to ABBA, the kind of content that fills most young influencers’ pages. However, a viewer reposted that video with the caption suggesting that she should be focused on what is happening in the world instead.

Clearly, there are several lofty expectations attached to her last name, even as she is merely eighteen years old.