Ivanka Trump drew sharp online criticism after posting photos of herself in a white dress to mark Lunar New Year, with detractors arguing the color choice clashed with traditional Chinese symbolism and ignited a broader debate over cultural sensitivity.
The president's daughter shared three images on Instagram wearing a bright white ensemble, accompanying them with a message celebrating the start of the Year of the Fire Horse. "Today, a new lunar cycle begins! The Year of the Fire Horse calls us to courage, to energy, to intention, and to fearless creation. It is a year for bold ideas, decisive action, and turning vision into something enduring," she wrote.
"I am stepping into it with clarity and conviction, ready to bring forward projects I have been quietly nurturing, ideas nearly ready to meet the light. I cannot wait to share them with you!
Forward, with strength. With gratitude. With purpose. Excited for what is ahead," Trump concluded.
The post was reshared more than 200,000 times, according to social media metrics cited in coverage. But as the images circulated, criticism quickly followed, centered not on the message but on the dress color.
One now-deleted comment read, "Ever inappropriate Ivanka." Another user wrote, "She's so condescending! I'm not really sure why Ivanka is bothering to pretend to care about the holidays. Genuinely puzzled about who this is supposed to be for." A third added, "A little cross-cultural training for Ivanka and the Trump family would do wonders."
Others questioned her intent more directly. "I didn't know Lunar New Year was a Jewish holiday..." one user posted. Another commenter wrote, "Someone must be being paid to remove negative comments otherwise the world has gone completely mad." A separate reply stated, "White is for death and funerals in Chinese culture," followed by a rolling eyes emoji.
In Chinese tradition, white is commonly associated with mourning and funerals, rather than celebration. Lunar New Year-also known as Spring Festival-marks renewal, prosperity and family reunion. Red and gold are traditionally favored during the holiday for their symbolic ties to luck and wealth.
The 2026 lunar calendar began with the new moon on Feb. 17, launching a 15-day celebration culminating in the Lantern Festival on March 3. The Year of the Fire Horse, according to Chinese astrology, is linked to boldness and energetic transformation-the themes Trump highlighted in her post.
Supporters, however, countered the backlash with praise. "So beautiful, classy, elegant, smart," one follower wrote. Another commented, "You are beautiful, like an inspiration!!!" The comments section reflected a familiar polarization surrounding members of the Trump family.
The episode unfolded amid other recent public appearances by Ivanka Trump, including a Feb. 6 fundraiser for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital organized by her brother Eric Trump. At that event, she also wore white, describing the evening in an Instagram story: "Twenty years. Over $50 million raised. Countless children given hope. Last night was a testament to my brother @erictrump big heart and unwavering commitment to St. Jude's Children's Hospital. And though our mother is no longer with us, her spirit filled the room ... I felt her especially close, wearing a dress that once belonged to her. Mom would have been so proud of you baby brother ! Legacy isn't just what we build, but the love we carry forward."
