Once a key player in Donald Trump's former presidency, Ivanka Trump's return to the White House now looks uncertain. And another key player is reportedly now rising to the occasion.
Regarded as Trump's 'favourite' child, even by her own siblings' admission, Ivanka, 43, became First Daughter and Advisor to the President in 2017, sparking accusations of nepotism. Indeed, model-turned-businesswoman Ivanka was given prominent roles in meetings with G20 and Kim Jong-Un and also headed the Office of Economic Initiatives and Entrepreneurship - a position established during Trump's administration which has since been cut.
On account of these high-profile appointments, as well as the high regard in which Trump spoke of her, many Americans came to view Ivanka as the 'real First Lady', above stepmother Melania Trump. Right up until 2021, when her controversial father lost the election to President Joe Biden, Ivanka was regarded as an important 'validator' for the former Apprentice star, who has faced a number of serious allegations.
Notably, however, Ivanka and her husband Jared Kushner, who served as Trump's senior advisor from 2017 to 2021, have kept low profiles since her father left the Oval Office. She has taken a back seat during Trump's latest presidential campaign, and it seems unlikely she'll be rejoining him in the White House.
In a statement made on Instagram after Trump announced his re-election campaign, mother-of-three Ivanka wrote: "I love my father very much. This time around, I am choosing to prioritise 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 honour of serving the American people and I will always be proud of many of our Administration's accomplishments."
Now, however, it would seem that another glamorous family member is sweeping in to become the star of the show - Trump's daughter-in-law, Lara Trump. When journalist Lara first met Trump's second son Eric Trump in New York, she had no idea he was the heir to a lucrative property empire.
The couple married seven years later and went on to welcome son Luke, in 2017, and daughter Carolina, in 2019. In the years since Lara has proven herself to be a valuable asset to the powerful family, and has been a prominent campaigner during her father-in-law's most recent election bid.
Now the co-chair of the Republican National Committee, Lara has stepped up her efforts during the campaign, and even fronted Trump's relief efforts in North Carolina in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. Lara has also been a vocal opponent of Democratic nominee Kamala Harris, once describing her as a designer 'trash bag' during a scathing interview with Fox News.
Lashing out at Harris back in July, Lara said: "It reminds me of – there was this bag that this very famous designer designed. This was several years ago. It literally was a trash bag, but they sold this thing for like $2,000 thinking that people would actually buy it. It’s a similar situation with Kamala Harris."
On the night of Tuesday, November 5, Eric congratulated his wife for her efforts during the campaign. On the night of Tuesday, November 5, Eric took to social media to praise his wife for her efforts, writing: "You put your heart and soul into the job and proved them all wrong."
This comes as Trump today addressed his delighted supporters at West Palm Beach, Florida declaring victory in the US election. Appearing on stage alongside his family, Trump claimed a 'magnificent victory', announcing himself the 45th and 47th president of the United States.
Praising the 'incredible' MAGA movement, Trump told voters: “This is a magnificent victory for the American people that will allow us to make America great again." Promising a 'golden age for America', he continued: "Every single day I will be fighting for you, with every single breath in my body. I will not rest until we have delivered the strong, safe and prosperous America that children deserve."
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