Ivanka Trump has re-emerged on the public stage this week with a high-profile visit to Israel, where she and her husband, Jared Kushner, have been warmly received. Their trip included addressing a rally in Tel Aviv and being recognized by President Donald Trump during his speech at the Knesset on Monday.
The couple’s prominent involvement in diplomatic affairs has drawn renewed attention. Kushner, who does not hold an official government position, is reportedly collaborating with former British Prime Minister Tony Blair on developing future plans for Gaza. This follows his significant role in Middle East diplomacy during the previous Trump administration.
This level of influence is notable given their backgrounds in business and real estate rather than foreign policy. Ivanka Trump’s political experience is primarily defined by her role as an advisor to her father, while Kushner’s past career was in real estate development. Their current activities have prompted comparisons to a political satire, with critics pointing to the optics of the president’s daughter acting as an unofficial ambassador and his son-in-law shaping policy in one of the world’s most complex regions.
Historically, the children of U.S. presidents have occupied more ceremonial roles, serving as public props rather than policy proxies. Even within established political dynasties like the Kennedys and the Bidens, family members appointed to significant posts typically held relevant qualifications. John F. Kennedy appointed his brother Robert, a celebrated lawyer, as Attorney General, while Beau Biden served as Delaware’s Attorney General after a career as a federal prosecutor and Army officer.
The Trump presidency, however, has consistently redefined the role of family in the executive branch. During his first term, both Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner served as senior White House advisors despite their lack of prior government experience. A memorable instance of this was in 2017, when Ivanka took a seat among world leaders like Xi Jinping and Angela Merkel at a G20 summit. This approach treats politics as an extension of the family business, where personal loyalty is the primary qualification.
After a period of relative silence, during which she reportedly sought to distance herself from politics, Ivanka’s return to the forefront in Israel is seen by some as both inevitable and strategic. She has frequently been utilized to soften the Trump brand, presenting a polished and controlled image.
For the Trump administration and its supporters, nepotism is often reframed as a virtue—a sign of trusting family over the political establishment or “The Swamp.” In this view, a lack of conventional diplomatic experience is a feature, not a flaw, representing an outsider approach to governance where pedigree and loyalty are qualification enough.
The scene in Israel, therefore, serves as a potent symbol of this political era. While Ivanka Trump is applauded for her presence at major international events, critics argue it highlights a concerning trend where established norms of governance are set aside. This spectacle unfolds against a backdrop of significant domestic policy changes, leading some observers to question the long-term impact on American democratic institutions and whether the nation is witnessing a shift toward a more dynastic form of power.
Source link
