Throughout her father Donald Trump’s presidency, Ivanka Trump transitioned from a successful businesswoman to a senior advisor in the White House. While the public witnessed her prominent role, few truly understood the family dynamics or whether Ivanka and her husband, Jared Kushner, plan to remain politically involved.
Ivanka, known for her close relationship with her father, has also kept some secrets from him, including a surprising revelation from her younger years. More recently, a comment she made about him was labeled “cringey” by The Washington Post, sparking public attention.
Growing Up in the Trump Legacy
Born on October 30, 1981, in Manhattan, New York, Ivanka was raised by her high-profile parents, Donald and Ivana Trump. Her early years were shaped by privilege but also by turbulence—her parents’ divorce when she was just 10 years old led to a lengthy and public legal battle. Ivana ultimately received a $25 million settlement, and Ivanka was sent to boarding school during this tumultuous period.
After attending the Chapin School in Manhattan, Ivanka transferred to the prestigious Choate Rosemary Hall in Connecticut. Although she excelled academically, she found boarding school isolating. “All my friends in New York were having fun, and suddenly I was in the prison of boarding-school life,” she recalled.
Modeling and Career Beginnings
Despite her challenges, Ivanka pursued independence early. To pay for her own expenses, she ventured into modeling, landing campaigns with Versace and gracing the cover of Seventeen magazine at just 16. While modeling brought her early success, Ivanka admitted it wasn’t her passion. “It’s a brutal industry,” she said, adding that she viewed it as a stepping stone rather than a career.
After two years at Georgetown University, Ivanka transferred to the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania, graduating with a degree in economics in 2004. She briefly worked for real estate developer Bruce Ratner before joining the family business, quickly rising to Executive Vice President of Development & Acquisitions at the Trump Organization.
Love and Family Life
In 2007, Ivanka met Jared Kushner at a business networking lunch. After a brief breakup over religious differences, the two reconciled and married in 2009. They now share three children: Arabella Rose, born in 2011; Joseph Frederick, born in 2013; and Theodore James, born in 2016.
Ivanka was careful about introducing boyfriends to her father, revealing that Jared was the first. “Unless I was absolutely certain, I wasn’t going to expose boyfriends to my mother’s or father’s scrutiny,” she explained.
White House Years
During Donald Trump’s presidency, Ivanka played a key role as an advisor, focusing on workforce development, women’s empowerment, and economic growth. Balancing her professional responsibilities with parenting was challenging, and she admitted, “Ninety percent of the time, I am exhausted.”
Ivanka’s tenure in the White House wasn’t without controversy. Her company faced allegations of leveraging her political position for private gain, though legal experts noted the case was weak. Public scrutiny followed her throughout her time in Washington, but she maintained her composure in the spotlight.
The Road Ahead
Since leaving the White House, Ivanka has largely stepped back from the public eye. Speculation about her future includes rumors of political aspirations, though no concrete plans have been announced. For now, Ivanka seems focused on her family and personal pursuits, leaving the world guessing about her next move.
As the daughter of a former president and a prominent figure in her own right, Ivanka Trump remains a subject of fascination. Whether she chooses to re-enter politics or forge a new path, her story is far from over.