Ivanka Trump refused to sign memo defending her father, book claims

Ivanka Trump was once a key figure in her father’s White House, but a new book claims she refused to publicly defend him on a sensitive political issue. The revelation highlights her growing distance from Donald Trump’s political career.

Ivanka Trump played a major role during Donald Trump’s presidency, serving as an advisor alongside her husband, Jared Kushner. She focused on policies related to women’s economic empowerment and workforce development. However, her time in Washington also brought public scrutiny, lost friendships, and professional setbacks—retailers such as Nordstrom and Neiman Marcus dropped her fashion brand in 2017.

Despite these challenges, Ivanka remained publicly supportive of her father. However, after Trump lost the 2020 election, she decided to step away from politics. In November 2022, as he launched his 2024 campaign, she confirmed she would not be involved.

“I love my father very much. This time around, I am choosing to prioritize my young children and the private life we are creating as a family,” Ivanka said in a statement at the time. “I do not plan to be involved in politics” (CNN).

New book reveals Ivanka and Jared refused to defend Trump publicly

Although Ivanka has stayed close to her father personally, a new book by journalist Michael Wolff suggests she has drawn a clear line between her private life and his political battles.

In All or Nothing, Wolff claims that following the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack on Israel, Trump faced criticism for his lack of a strong response. His campaign reportedly feared that past statements could be used to portray him as antisemitic. To counter this, Trump allegedly asked Kushner and Ivanka—who are both Jewish—to sign a memo defending him.

According to the book, Kushner refused, telling the campaign:

“No, Ivanka and I aren’t going to do that. We’re not going to go and put our names on something and get in the middle of things. That’s just not what we’re going to do this time.” (The Guardian)

The book suggests that Trump had expected their support, but the couple was unwilling to involve themselves publicly.

Ivanka’s new life in Florida

Since stepping away from politics, Ivanka has been focused on her family life in Florida. She and Kushner are raising their three children and avoiding public political engagements.

A source familiar with Ivanka’s thinking told CNN in December 2023 that if she chooses to offer her father advice, it will be in private. “It’s never going to be something that people are going to see publicly,” the source said.

Longtime Trump family friend Maggie Cordish also told CNN that Ivanka is prioritizing her role as a mother.

“Her children are in a sweet spot where they’re all critical ages, they’re tweens and teens, and it’s short—it’s really brief. She loves being with her children, and she’s found a lot of peace and happiness in her private life.”

Will Ivanka ever return to politics?

Ivanka’s decision to distance herself from Trump’s 2024 campaign suggests she has no intention of reentering politics. While she remains close to her father, she appears to be prioritizing her personal life over public influence.

With Trump continuing his bid for the presidency, some wonder whether Ivanka will eventually reappear in his political circle. However, her recent actions—and her refusal to publicly defend him in 2023—indicate she intends to stay out of the spotlight.

What do you think of Ivanka Trump’s decision to step away from politics? Let us know in the comments!

Sources: CNN, The Gurdian