Ivanka Trump, a key figure in her father Donald Trump’s presidency, has announced her decision to retire from politics to focus on her family. Since leaving Washington in January 2021, she has emphasized her commitment to raising her young children and prioritizing her personal well-being, making clear that she has no plans to re-enter the political scene.
“I love my father very much. This time around, I choose to prioritize my young children and the privacy we create as a family. I have no plans to get involved in politics “, she wrote in a social media post in 2022. Donald Trump’s announcement of his third presidential election.
This sentiment remains unchanged even after Donald Trump’s victory in 2024. Sources close to Ivanka and her husband, Jared Kushner, confirm that the couple plans to maintain a relatively private life in Miami, Florida, where they have resided for four years, largely out of public view.
Far from the spotlight
Ivanka’s decision marks a significant shift from her role as one of her father’s closest advisors during his first term. His time in the White House was marked by intense scrutiny, criticism of his father’s policies and difficulties moderating decisions. The experience alienated her from some members of her liberal New York social circle and led her to shutter her successful clothing and accessories brand for ethical reasons.
The former first daughter described her political experience as emotionally taxing. “Politics is… it’s a pretty dark world. There’s a lot of darkness, a lot of negativity, and it’s really at odds with what makes me feel good as a human being,” he said. -she told *The Lex Fridman Podcast* in July during a three-hour conversation. “For me and my family, it’s a good thing not to participate,” she added.
However, it can be difficult to completely withdraw from the public eye. Ivanka remains a prominent figure as a member of America’s first family, admired by many of Trump’s supporters and targeted by his detractors. Despite the withdrawal, she maintains a close relationship with her father, often providing him with informal advice, according to sources.
“She is still his daughter and a trusted voice, so in that sense, an informal advisor, as we all are with our family members,” said Maggie Cordish, a longtime friend who worked alongside ‘Ivanka on issues of paid family leave under the Trump administration.
A deadly political journey
During her tenure in the White House, Ivanka carved out a portfolio focused on less controversial issues such as criminal justice reform, human trafficking and workforce development. His advocacy for legislation on paid family leave and child tax credits left a lasting impression on Republican politics, according to former colleagues.
Despite these efforts, Ivanka faced constant criticism and remained under intense media scrutiny. Her friends and sources describe her as being at peace with her decision to step away, prioritizing her family and exploring new personal interests.
“Her kids are in an ideal situation where they’re all at a critical age, they’re preteens and teens, and it’s short — it’s really brief,” Cordish said. “She loves being with her children and has found a lot of peace and happiness in her private life.”
Life in Miami and personal challenges
Since moving to Miami in January 2021, Ivanka has adopted a quieter lifestyle. Her social media accounts feature moments of family gardening, jiu-jitsu practice, surfing lessons and board games. She has also overcome personal challenges, including the loss of her mother, Ivana Trump, in July 2022, and supporting her husband through multiple surgeries for thyroid cancer.
His friends describe this transition as a gradual shift from his more combative and public-facing political role.
The role of Jared Kushner
Jared Kushner, while avoiding formal policy roles, is expected to advise Donald Trump’s initiatives in the Middle East, leveraging his relationships with regional leaders and financial interests in the region. His father, Charles Kushner, was notably appointed United States ambassador to France.
Meanwhile, Ivanka’s brothers, Donald Trump Jr. and Eric Trump, have taken on larger roles within the “Make America Great Again” movement. Eric’s wife, Lara Trump, became co-chair of the Republican National Committee, but recently announced her decision to step away from political involvement.
A new chapter
Ivanka’s focus shifted to philanthropic efforts, including disaster relief and combating food insecurity. She has worked with Ukrainian refugees in Poland, helped victims of natural disasters, and collaborated with organizations like CityServe.
“She chooses to use her influence on a more personal level to have a positive impact on her own community,” a source close to Ivanka explained.
Despite her retirement from politics, Ivanka continues to carefully manage her personal brand. However, some experts suggest she could benefit from a less polished approach to her public persona.
“She’s very conscious of her brand, very conscious of wanting to do something positive – and that’s not a bad thing – but she has a bit of a reputation for accomplishing and achieving this bigger goal,” one expert noted in crisis communications.
Real estate projects and future aircraft
The couple also returned to real estate, with Ivanka pursuing projects like a luxury development on an Albanian island. “It’s amazing to bring all this talent together, and for me to be able to play again and flex the real estate muscles and have fun with it,” she shared on *The Lex Fridman Podcast*.
Although she doesn’t rule out future public participation, Ivanka Trump’s immediate focus is on family, private life and community-oriented projects.
