The internet has a weird obsession with Khloé Kardashian and Tristan Thompson. Honestly, it’s understandable. Their saga has everything: high-stakes NBA drama, public betrayals that felt like a punch to the gut, and a family dynamic so complicated it makes a soap opera look like a bedtime story. But lately, the conversation has shifted. People aren't just asking "Did he cheat again?" (though, let’s be real, that’s always the elephant in the room). They’re asking if they’re back together in secret or if Khloé has finally, actually, moved on for good.
It's been a wild ride. From the first 2016 spark to the 2021 Maralee Nichols bombshell that seemingly broke the camel's back, the public has watched Khloé navigate what she’s called "traumatic" years.
The Current Reality: Are They Actually Together?
Short answer? No.
Longer answer? It depends on who you ask, but Khloé herself has been incredibly vocal about her status. As of early 2026, Khloé Kardashian is single. She’s gone on record—most recently on her podcast Khloé in Wonderland—stating she hasn't actively dated in years. She even joked about being celibate for a massive stretch of time.
Basically, she’s in her "peace" era.
But here is where it gets kinda blurry for fans. Tristan is always there. He’s at the birthday parties. He’s at the family dinners. He’s "tucking in" the kids during the NBA off-season. This "lifestyle" choice has led to endless Reddit theories that they’re "messing around" on the DL.
🔗 Read more: How Tall is Tim Curry? What Fans Often Get Wrong About the Legend's Height
"Tristan is not back in," Khloé clarified recently. "He is just the father of my kids... I am never going to get in the way of that."
She’s prioritizing a "seamless" co-parenting vibe over her own past hurt. It's a choice that earns her a lot of flak from fans who think she’s being a "doormat," but Khloé argues it’s about the kids, True and Tatum, having a stable father figure.
The Paternity Test Drama You Probably Missed
You’ve probably seen the headlines about Khloé, Tristan, and the three DNA tests. Yeah, you read that right. Three.
In a bizarre twist that surfaced in January 2026, Khloé revealed she made Tristan take multiple paternity tests for their son, Tatum. Why? Because the kid looks exactly like her brother, Rob Kardashian.
It sounds like a joke, but she was serious.
💡 You might also like: Brandi Love Explained: Why the Businesswoman and Adult Icon Still Matters in 2026
Because Tatum was born via surrogate, Khloé had a moment of genuine panic that there might have been a mix-up at the clinic. She even jokingly asked Rob if he’d ever "donated sperm" somewhere. Tristan was apparently "offended" by the request for multiple tests, but Khloé needed that peace of mind. The tests confirmed Tristan is the biological father, proving that the Kardashian genes are just incredibly dominant. Tatum doesn't just look like Rob; Khloé says he shares the same dry, sarcastic humor as her late father, Robert Kardashian Sr.
Why Khloé Kardashian and Tristan Thompson Still Matter
The reason we can’t stop talking about them isn't just because of the gossip. It’s because their relationship is a case study in forgiveness vs. boundaries.
Most people would have blocked Tristan into oblivion after the 2018 nightclub video or the 2019 Jordyn Woods scandal. But Khloé chose a different path. She chose to keep him in the inner circle.
The Co-Parenting "Secret"
- The NBA Schedule: Tristan’s career actually helps. Since he’s on the road for 8-9 months of the year, the kids were already used to seeing him on FaceTime. The transition from "together" to "split" didn't feel like a massive shift for True and Tatum.
- The Proximity: Tristan often stays nearby or visits frequently. This "playing house" dynamic is what confuses the public.
- The Family Support: Even Kim and Kris have been seen supporting Tristan, especially after the passing of his mother. The Kardashians view "family" as an unbreakable unit, regardless of romantic status.
Addressing the "Karma" Narrative
There’s a segment of the internet that has zero sympathy for Khloé. They point back to 2016, claiming she started dating Tristan while his ex, Jordan Craig, was pregnant. They call Tristan Khloé’s "karma."
Khloé has always denied this, claiming Tristan told her he was single. Whether you believe her or not, it’s clear that the public scrutiny has taken a toll. She’s admitted to "burying her head in the sand" during her second pregnancy because the humiliation of the Maralee Nichols situation was too much to handle while waiting for a surrogate to give birth.
📖 Related: Melania Trump Wedding Photos: What Most People Get Wrong
It’s messy. It’s human. And it’s why her "single and happy" stance in 2026 feels like such a hard-won victory.
What’s Next for Khloé?
So, where do we go from here?
If you’re looking for a romantic reunion, don't hold your breath. Khloé seems genuinely focused on her Good American empire and her two kids. She’s mentioned that if she meets someone in "two months or two years," great. But she isn't looking.
Actionable Takeaways from the Khloé-Tristan Saga:
- Define Co-Parenting on Your Own Terms: You don't have to follow a traditional "hand-off at the curb" model if it doesn't work for your family.
- Healing Isn't Linear: It took Khloé years of therapy to be able to see Tristan in her house without having a breakdown.
- DNA Doesn't Lie, But Eyes Can: Strong family genes can make for some very confusing baby photos (and unnecessary lab fees).
- Protect Your Peace: Staying single to find yourself again isn't "losing"—it's often the only way to break a cycle of toxic relationships.
The door on their romance seems shut, locked, and bolted. But the door on their family life? That stays wide open. Whether that’s healthy or just "classic Kardashian" is up for debate, but for now, Khloé is calling the shots.
Next Steps for Readers: To stay truly updated on the latest shifts in this dynamic, keep an eye on the upcoming Season 7 of The Kardashians. It’s expected to cover more of the 2025/2026 co-parenting transition and whether Tristan’s eventual retirement from the NBA changes the frequency of his visits to the Kardashian "compound." Additionally, checking the latest episodes of the Khloé in Wonderland podcast is currently the best way to get her unfiltered thoughts directly from the source.