A rare and heartwarming family scene unfolded at the White House this weekend, as former President Donald Trump was captured on video undertaking grandpa duties with his nine-year-old grandson, Theodore Kushner.
A Presidential Game of Catch
Donald Trump, 79, and Theodore were pictured together on the White House's Presidential Walk of Fame, engaged in a lively game of catch with an NFL football. In a charming contrast to the usual formalities of the historic residence, both the former president and his young grandson were dressed in full suits as they threw the ball back and forth.
The wholesome moment was proudly shared with the world by Ivanka Trump, the former president's 44-year-old daughter. She posted the snaps to her Instagram, where followers saw a playful Trump tossing the ball to Theodore, who was enthusiastically showing off his throwing arm.
More Than Just a Game
The video also captured a more educational side to their time together. The pair were seen walking down the hall as grandfather Trump pointed out some of the pictured historical figures that line the Presidential Walk of Fame. Theodore listened attentively before closely following his grandfather around the corner, illustrating a bond that extends beyond the football field.
Theodore is the third and youngest child of Ivanka and her husband, Jared Kushner. The couple married in 2009 and are also parents to a 14-year-old daughter, Arabella, and an 11-year-old son, Joseph.
This isn't the first time the Trump family has been in the sporting spotlight recently. All three of Ivanka's children walked onto the pitch with football star Lionel Messi in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, on November 9. The family was there to watch Inter Miami thrash Nashville SC 4-0 in the MLS playoffs.
A Grandson Stealing the Show
The president and his grandson's heartwarming moment quickly captured the attention of social media. One user commented that it would be one of 'these memories he will never forget.' Another wrote, 'Love how real we get to see him through his family life,' while a third added, 'Despite his busy schedule, he always makes time for his grandchildren. Best president.'
This wasn't Theodore's first time practicing his throwing skills on the White House grounds. Back in April, he shared a memorable moment with Philadelphia Eagles star Saquon Barkley. The pair were seen tossing a football on the grounds following the Eagles' victory at the 2025 Superbowl, which the Trump family, including Theodore, attended.
The youngster was said to have stolen the show at the Superbowl earlier this year, appearing nervous and protective of his grandfather. Some fans on X remarked that he was 'like the president's bodyguard.'
Ivanka shared a video of that special moment between her son and the NFL star, which culminated in Theodore challenging Barkley to a race in the Rose Garden. 'Celebrating with champions at the White House today!' Ivanka wrote in her caption. 'My highlight of the day? Theo challenging [Barkley] to a race... Thanks Saquon for being such a great sport!'
The talented nine-year-old has a clear passion for American football. He celebrated his eighth birthday in March of last year with a Miami Dolphins football helmet cake. In a photo shared by his mother, Theodore sported a football jersey for the Miami Dolphins beside a football balloon and the impressive birthday cake.
Ivanka's Instagram tribute to her son highlighted his diverse interests, stating, 'Your curiosity knows no bounds - from football to parkour, jujitsu, guitar, piano, Hebrew, Rubik’s cubes, Chinese, puzzles, and poker, just to name a few.'
The close relationship between Theodore and his grandfather was also on display in April, when Ivanka shared a video of the young Trump performing an original composition on the White House piano for his grandfather. In the video, Theodore was seen sporting a white suit and had been pictured earlier with a football held at his side, perfectly blending his interests in sports and music for a doting Grandpa.
