Ivanka Trump, the eldest daughter of former President Donald Trump, continues to be an “informal adviser” to him, according to a long-time friend who spoke to CNN. This arrangement signifies that family members are a trusted circle of advisors for Trump, who has traditionally relied on their counsel. Ivanka and her husband, Jared Kushner, served as senior advisers during Trump’s first term, with Ivanka focusing on issues such as education, economic empowerment of women, and workforce development. Despite announcing on Instagram in 2022 that she would step back from politics to prioritize her family, Ivanka remains a trusted voice for her father.
In a recent article by CNN titled “Ivanka Trump is done with politics and says she isn’t coming back,” a friend of Ivanka’s, Maggie Cordish, emphasized that Ivanka’s role as an informal adviser is based on their familial relationship and trust. While Ivanka has publicly stated her intention to refrain from politics, sources familiar with her “thinking” suggest that she may continue to have influence behind the scenes without seeking public attention. Ivanka’s departure from politics was rooted in her role as a parent to three children with Kushner, as she did not want them to bear the cost of her full-time involvement in the political arena.
Ivanka Trump’s decision to step back from politics was underscored in a podcast interview where she described the dark and negative aspects of the political world that did not align with her values as a human being. Despite this, she took pride in her contributions to policies such as criminal justice reform, combating human trafficking, and promoting workforce development during her time in the White House. While Kushner is also expected to refrain from taking a formal role in Trump’s second term, his father, Charles Kushner, has been nominated as U.S. ambassador to France, further solidifying the family’s ties to the administration.
The ongoing presence of Ivanka Trump as an informal adviser to Donald Trump signals the enduring influence of family members in his decision-making processes. Ivanka’s role as a trusted confidante and advisor to her father highlights the significance of familial relationships in shaping political decisions. Despite her public announcement to step away from politics, Ivanka’s continued influence and presence in the White House underscore the significance of family dynamics in the highest echelons of power. As the political landscape continues to evolve, the enduring role of family members as informal advisors to political leaders remains a prominent feature in the political arena.