Ivanka, President Trump’s first daughter, is set to get an office in the West Wing of the White House. She will be situated on the second floor right next to senior adviser Dina Powell. Just days ago, Ms. Powell was appointed to a position on the National Security Council. In addition to her new office, Ivanka is also going to have official security clearance for government information. She is currently in the process to get clearance. Further, she will be receiving government-issued communication devices later on in the week.
The move raises eyebrows over the political arena, as Ivanka had already stated that she was not going to play any role in her father’s administration.
According to a statement from her attorney, Ivanka will not get paid for her services at the White House, neither will she be sworn into office. She will not hold any official position either. Despite this statement, it appears that Trump is setting up his daughter for a full-time position in his government. Jamie Gorelick, Trump’s attorney, said that Ivanka would function as the President’s “eyes and ears.” She will also give the government advice on issues inclusive of women empowerment and gender equality. However, her advice will not be strictly limited to gender-sensitive information. Just last week, Ivanka sat beside German Chancellor Angela Merkel during her first official visit to the United States under President Trump.
Last week’s meeting went a long way in showing how much Ivanka’s role in the White House is growing. Since she is not an official government employee, it means that she is not answerable to the same rules that apply to those under the White House’s employment. However, Gorelick made it clear to the public that Ivanka intends to undertake her job ethically and in a way that supports her role overall to the state. In an interview on Monday, Gorelick told the press, “Having an adult child of the president who is actively engaged in the work of the administration is new ground. Our view is that the conservative approach is for Ivanka to voluntarily comply with the rules that would apply if she were a government employee, even though she is not.”
The statement, however, did not satisfy ethic watchdogs who state her decisions could be more pro-Trump. Additionally, the choice to follow government procedure while undertaking some tasks is entirely in her choice. As such, questions have been raised as to whether she is going as far as eliminating conflicts of interest.
A spokeswoman for Ivanka Trump elaborated that Ivanka’s role had been officially put into writing by the White House’s counsel office. Concerning Ivanka ethics, the spokesperson went on to say that these issues had been “worked through” through deliberation with the government office of ethics.
In a statement to the press, Ivanka said, “I will continue to offer my father my candid advice and counsel, as I have for my entire life. While there is no modern precedent for an adult child of the president, I will voluntarily follow all of the ethics rules placed on government employees.”
Ivanka continues to own her fashion and jewelry brand despite her appointment. She retains the company’s ownership despite resigning in the wake of her father’s inauguration earlier this year. Additionally, Ivanka is scheduled to release her book “Women Who Work” in May.
