Ivanka Trump Exits Politics, Focuses on Family and Private Life

For much of her adult life, Ivanka Trump worked closely with her father, Donald Trump, from designing hotels during his real estate career to advising him in the West Wing as president. However, since leaving Washington in January 2021, Ivanka has made it clear she is done with politics and has no plans to return.

“I love my father very much. 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,” Ivanka said in a 2022 social media post, reaffirming her decision even after Donald Trump’s 2024 election victory.

Ivanka and her husband, Jared Kushner, have spent the past four years in Miami, leading a quieter life outside the political spotlight. Friends describe her decision to step away from politics as deliberate after the challenges of her first term in Washington, including criticism for policies she couldn’t control and the alienation of some liberal friends in New York.

During her time in the White House, Ivanka focused on less polarizing issues such as criminal justice reform, workforce development, and human trafficking.

Her work on paid family leave and a child tax credit for working families left a significant mark on Republican politics, reshaping these as GOP priorities. However, she faced ethical questions, scrutiny, and personal challenges, including the closure of her fashion brand and the death of her mother, Ivana Trump, in 2022.

In Miami, Ivanka has embraced a more personal lifestyle, focusing on her family and exploring new interests. Her children are now at formative ages, and she has chosen to prioritize their upbringing. Her social media reflects a life filled with activities like gardening, practicing jiu-jitsu, surfing, and volunteering for disaster relief efforts and food banks.

“Politics is a pretty dark world,” Ivanka shared on The Lex Fridman Podcast. “There’s a lot of negativity, and it’s really at odds with what feels good for me as a human being. For me and my family, it feels right to not participate.”

Though Ivanka maintains a close relationship with her father and informally advises him on some matters, her influence during his second term will remain behind the scenes. Meanwhile, Jared Kushner also declines a formal role in the administration, focusing instead on business ventures, including luxury real estate projects.

Ivanka’s new chapter involves philanthropy and nonprofit work, addressing issues such as food insecurity, disaster relief, and supporting farmers. She has volunteered with Ukrainian refugees, victims of natural disasters, and local food banks. While she presents a polished image of her new life on social media, some critics argue her reputation will require further rebuilding.

In stepping away from politics, Ivanka Trump is charting a path that prioritizes her family and leverages her influence in ways that align with her values. “She is choosing to use her influence on a more personal level to positively impact her own community,” said a source close to her.