Will Ivanka Trump return to politics after father Donald Trump's win?

As Fox News declared Donald Trump to be the next US president — they were the first to call the election in his favour — the man of the hour appeared on stage at the Palm Beach Convention Centre in Florida to address his supporters and hail his win.

Accompanying Trump on stage were his family , his advisers, his running mate and many more. But the one face that garnered quite a lot of buzz and made headlines was that of Ivanka Trump, the president-elect’s second child and eldest daughter.

The 43-year-old attended the Trump celebrations in Florida along with her husband, Jared Kushner. Their appearance at the event coincides with speculation that the couple is seeking to return to politics following Trump’s resounding triumph over Democratic rival Kamala Harris . This is interesting as both Ivanka and Jared played a key role in Trump 1.0.

More from United States Of America

From father's advice to pastor's call: How Charlie Kirk's shooter Tyler Robinson was turned in to police Charlie Kirk: Killer still at large, motive uncertain; FBI releases photo with $100,000 reward

We take a closer look at what role Ivanka played in Trump’s first presidency and why she may not find a place in his second term.

Ivanka in Trump 1.0

Before Donald Trump became president the first time around, Ivanka built her reputation as a socialite and businesswoman on her father’s name. She appeared on the cover of teen magazines, fashion runways, and red carpets with Chelsea Clinton.

She also helped her father in developing some of his properties, including the Doral golf course in Florida and the Old Post Office hotel in Washington, DC that the Trumps redeveloped and owned until 2022.

When Trump announced his decision to run for US presidency, she became one of his biggest advocates. And when he won the polls, she, along with her husband Jared Kushner, joined his administration as a senior adviser.

Editor’s Picks

1

What’s next for Donald Trump as he prepares to enter the White House? 2

How did Donald Trump become the first Republican to win popular vote in 20 years?

A 2020 book by former campaign deputy Rick Gates, titled Wicked Game: An Insider’s Story on How Trump Won also reported that Trump wanted to name Ivanka as his running mate in 2016. Speaking of that time, Gates wrote in the book, “We all knew Trump well enough to keep our mouths shut and not laugh. He went on: ‘She’s bright, she’s smart, she’s beautiful, and the people would love her!”’

While in the White House, Ivanka is reported to have advised Trump on matters of women’s economic empowerment, working family issues, workforce development, promoting STEM education and combating human trafficking.

She also met with world leaders, travelling abroad and being a representative of the Trump administration. For instance, she helped lead the US delegation to the Olympics in South Korea in 2018. In 2017, she also travelled to Hyderabad in India as the lead of the US delegation for the three-day Global Entrepreneurship Summit (GES) with the theme of ‘Women First, Prosperity for All’. It was here that she met with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Her husband, Jared Kushner, who was also part of the Trump 1.0 presidency, advised on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and relations with China, Mexico and Canada.

Ivanka steers away from Trump campaign

When Donald Trump began campaigning again for US president for the third time, Ivanka said that she and Kushner would be stepping back from politics to prioritise their children and family life.

“I love my father very much. This time around I am choosing to prioritise my young children and the private life we are creating as a family. I do not plan to be involved in politics,” she said. “While I will always love and support my father, going forward I will do so outside the political arena. I am grateful to have had the honour of serving the American people and I will always be proud of many of our Administration’s accomplishments.”

And stayed away she did. Known to be a fierce advocate for her father, Ivanka became a nearly silent observer, rarely if ever boosting his candidacy in any way. Rather than be seen on the campaign trail, she was seen at a concert of Trump’s arch nemesis, Taylor Swift .

The only time Ivanka made her presence felt, though in a limited way, was at the Republican National Convention in July. She didn’t speak then and only joined Trump on stage with other family members.

A possible return

Maybe Trump’s return to power changes things for Ivanka.

On Wednesday, she appeared at Trump’s victory speech, dressed in a blue velvet pantsuit. However, if where she was positioned — she stood on the other side, away from the family — on stage is any indicator, it seems that she may not be a part of Trump’s second administration.

Moreover, US President-elect Trump in a 2023 interview with Fox News said his family would not join him again in his administration if he returns to the White House, saying going back into politics would be “too painful” for them.

“My family’s been through hell. I mean, they have — Eric, my son, who’s a fine boy. You know him very well… We were doing beautifully. Then I decide to run for president. I don’t think anybody in the world in history has ever had more subpoenas sent to him,” Trump said, referring to investigations into alleged financial crimes by the Trump Organisation, the family business.

“Nobody has been through what my family has been through. Ivanka had a really successful line of clothing, I mean, making a fortune. When I did this, she closed it up. She sort of felt she had to, but she closed it up,” he added.

Only time will tell if Trump and his daughter go back on their word. But it seems unlikely as Trump’s Cabinet slowly takes shape, awarding those who were with him amid the presidential campaign.

With inputs from agencies