Ivanka Trump recently discussed her decision to step back from involvement in her father’s 2024 presidential campaign during an interview on the Lex Fridman Podcast. Ivanka, who served as a senior adviser in the Trump administration from March 2017 to January 2021, explained that her choice was primarily driven by her role as a parent and the desire to prioritize her children’s needs.
In the interview, Ivanka talked about the demanding and all-consuming nature of politics, describing it as a “rough business” that requires full commitment. She expressed concern about the emotional toll and the potential absence from her children’s lives if she were to fully engage in politics again. Ivanka underscored that while she values the privilege of serving in government and is proud of the accomplishments during her tenure, she believes it’s crucial to be present for her family during this formative period in their lives.
“I love my father very much,” she wrote. “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.
“While I will always love and support my father, going forward I will do so outside the political arena. I’m grateful to have had the honor of serving the American people and I will always be proud of many of our Administration’s accomplishments,” she said.
Regarding her decision, Ivanka pointed ut her ongoing community involvement through volunteer work as a meaningful alternative to political engagement. She stressed the importance of finding ways to contribute positively outside of the political arena, noting that such efforts are no less significant than serving in government.
It was a decision rooted in me being a parent, really thinking about what they need from me now. Politics is a rough, rough business, and I think it’s one that you also can’t dabble in. I think you have to either be all in or all out.
“And I know today the cost they would pay for me being all in, emotionally, in terms of my absence at such a formative point in their life,” she said. “And I’m not willing to make them bear that cost. I served for four years and feel so privileged to have done it, but as their mom I think it’s really important that I do what’s right for them. And I think there are a lot of ways you can serve.
“Obviously, we talked about the enormity, the scale of what can be accomplished in government service, but I think there’s something equally valuable about helping within your own community,” she said. “And I volunteer with the kids a lot, and we feel really good about that service. It’s different, but it’s no less meaningful. So I think there are other ways to serve.”
In addition to Ivanka’s remarks, her husband Jared Kushner, who also served as a senior adviser in the Trump administration, expressed similar sentiments in a separate interview with Axios. Kushner stated his preference for focusing on his global investment firm and enjoying a quieter life away from the intense scrutiny of public office. Both Ivanka and Kushner have opted to prioritize family life in Florida following their White House roles.
