Ivanka Trump, daughter of former President Donald Trump, is set to take on an informal advisory role during her father's second presidential term, sources close to the family have revealed. Despite stepping away from the political spotlight following the end of Trump's first term, Ivanka's involvement as a trusted confidante remains significant, though largely behind the scenes.
Maggie Cordish, a longtime friend of Ivanka and a former colleague in the White House, described her as "a trusted voice" within the Trump family. "She's still his daughter, and in that sense, an informal adviser, as we all are with our family members," Cordish told CNN. Ivanka's role, however, will not be one for public consumption. "It's never going to be something that people are going to see publicly," another source familiar with the matter added.
Ivanka, 42, stepped back from politics after her father left office in January 2021, relocating to Miami with her husband, Jared Kushner, and their three children. In a statement from November 2022, she made it clear that she would not take an active role in her father's third presidential campaign or potential second term. "I love my father very much," she wrote on Instagram. "This time around, I am choosing to prioritize my young children and the private life we are creating as a family. I do not plan to be involved in politics."
Despite her reduced visibility, Ivanka's presence as an informal adviser aligns with the family-centric approach that defined Trump's first term. During his presidency, Ivanka and Kushner held senior advisory roles, with Ivanka focusing on women's economic empowerment, workforce development, and combating human trafficking. Her contributions were lauded by Trump's team, with a spokesperson emphasizing her spearheading of key initiatives such as criminal justice reform.
In a July 2024 appearance on The Lex Fridman Podcast, Ivanka shed light on her reasons for stepping back from politics, describing it as "a pretty dark world." She noted, "There's a lot of darkness, a lot of negativity, and it's just really at odds with what feels good for me as a human being." She added that her decision was deeply rooted in her role as a mother. "I know the cost they would pay for me being all in ... and I'm not willing to make them bear that cost."
Jared Kushner, who played a pivotal role in Middle East policy during Trump's first term, is also expected to maintain a limited role this time. Two sources close to Kushner's thinking indicated that he would likely serve as an outside adviser rather than taking on a formal White House position. Meanwhile, Kushner's father, Charles Kushner, has been tapped for a high-profile diplomatic role as U.S. ambassador to France in the forthcoming administration.
Ivanka's shift away from a formal political role highlights her focus on family and private life while maintaining a channel to provide advice to her father. "She loves being with her children, and she's found a lot of peace and happiness in her private life," a confidante shared. "Being able to have an impact in that way, while allowing her the time to prioritize her young children, is where she wants to be."
