Ivanka Trump is done with politics and says she won’t be back

Ivanka Trump, who spent her entire adult life working for her father, retired from politics in January 2021, marking a major shift in her career. In recent years, she had key roles in her father’s real estate empire, his television show and his campaign, while also serving as a senior White House adviser. However, after her father’s presidency, she made it clear in 2022 that she would prioritize her family over public life, stating that she did not intend to get involved in politics again. That decision came after a tumultuous time in Washington, where she faced constant criticism of her father’s policies, struggled with strained relationships in her social circles and closed her signature clothing line over ethical concerns.

Ivanka, along with her husband Jared Kushner, now lives in Miami, away from the public eye, and has adopted a more private lifestyle. Despite her departure from official politics, she remains close to her father, with sources saying she still provides him with informal advice. She described the political world as “dark” and “negative”, which she felt conflicted with her desire for a quiet and family life.

Her work in the White House, particularly on issues such as criminal justice reform, workforce development, and paid family leave Paid Family Leave, has had a significant impact, notably in changing Republican views on policies such as paid family leave and the tax break for working families. However, her role going forward is likely to remain in the background, with sources saying that her influence, if any, during her father’s second term will remain discreet and out of the public eye.

Jared Kushner also decided not to take an official role in the incoming administration, but is expected to remain a key adviser, particularly on Middle East issues, leveraging his connections in the region. Also, Jared’s father, Charles Kushner, has been appointed US ambassador to France, which shows the continued influence of the Kushner family in Donald Trump’s inner circle.

From “follower of the throne” to Jiu Jitsu

At the end of Donald Trump’s first term, Ivanka Trump took a more aggressive stance, aligning herself with her father and voicing strong opposition to abortion rights. At the time, many predicted a future political career for her, with some considering her the “runner-up”. However, after the first term, the family left Washington for Florida, and Ivanka moved away from politics, prioritizing family and a private life.

Her decision was influenced by personal difficultiessuch as the sudden death of her mother, Ivana, in 2022, and caring for her 98-year-old grandmother. Her husband, Jared Kushner, also faced health problems, including thyroid cancer. Living in Miami, Ivanka adopted a quieter lifestyle, focusing on her children, new hobbies such as Jiu Jitsu, gardening, surfing and polo, and found peace away from politics. She explained that her decision to stay away from politics is based on the need to be a mother and not sacrifice the needs of her children at a critical time in their lives.

Family comes first

Ivanka Trump briefly returned to public life in 2023 to testify at her father’s trial in New York, explaining her role in securing loans for Donald Trump’s purchases, the Doral resort in Florida and the old post office building in Washington. While her father went on trial for bribing Stormy Daniels to keep her silent about Trump’s rape, Ivanka was absent from court but later visited New York to support him after his conviction for forgery of commercial documents. Despite all this, he remained out of the limelight.

Her brothers, Donald Trump Jr. and Eric Trump, fully embraced their father’s political movement, while Eric’s wife, Lara Trump, became a prominent spokeswoman for the Republican Party. After the election, Lara considered running for the Florida Senate seat, but withdrew from the race in December.

Four-year forecast

Ivanka Trump has closed the door on a return to politics for now, choosing to use her influence in new ways, notably in the nonprofit sector. She focuses on food insecurity, farmer support and disaster relief, having volunteered to help victims of natural disasters, refugees from Ukraine and a pure food bank. A source close to her said she prefers to have a personal influence in her community, prioritizing her family’s privacy.

Ivanka has also returned to property development, working on luxury projects, including a controversial 1,400-acre island in Albania. She also invests “quietly” in areas that interest her personally. While she often shares her volunteer work on social media, experts note that she is careful with her image, trying to balance seriousness with growing her reputation.