Two months into Donald Trump‘s first term as President of the United States of America, it has been announced that his eldest daughter, Ivanka Trump, will receive her own White House office, access to high-level classified information and a government-supplied phone.
“While there is no modern precedent for an adult child of the president, I will voluntarily follow all of the ethics rules placed on government employees,” Ivanka said in a statement following the announcement, adding, “I will continue to offer my father my candid advice and counsel, as I have for my entire life.”
Despite the office and her commitment to being her father’s “eyes and ears” in Washington, Ivanka says she will not receive a salary or take on an official title within her father’s administration.
Many, however, see the announcement as blatant nepotism.
"Ivanka Trump moved to D.C. saying she would play no formal White House role. Now, she has a West Wing office," one Twitter user commented on Tuesday.
"Kleptocratic dynasty continues apace. There is no reason Ivanka Trump should get a security clearance allowing her access to govt data," another said.
"Can we say NEPOTISM," another used tweeted, continuing, " This should NOT be allowed- Ivanka to receive WH office, security clearance - #NotMyPresident."
And as Bernadette Meehan, a former Obama staffer pointed out, unlike 35-year-old Ivanka and her husband, Jared Kushner, the appointments clearly favour family over formality or skill.
"I had a security clearance & West Wing office. @IvankaTrump diminishes the value of expertise & hard work it took me & others to get there," Meehan tweeted.
Listen: Mia Freedman tries to make sense of the Trump phenomenon with Paul Murray. Post continues...
Others found the appointment somewhat funny, with one Twitter user writing, "Ivanka Trump is getting an office in the West Wing. Too bad about her creepy coworker who just so happens to be her dad."
What do you think of the news? Should Ivanka be allowed to have an office and secret clearance?
Top Comments
So if she does something wrong, illegal, etc - can she use the excuse "you're not paying me" to get out of any punishments?
If you get prosecuted for doing something illegal the fact you were being paid or not paid to do it doesn't exempt one from punishment.
Yay! More unqualified people in the White House influencing the Neanderthal.
She attended Georgetown university and University of Pennsylvania where she graduated cum laude.
She has experience in business and has been on boards.
No doubt she got there by nepotism, but she is qualified.
Sigh, Kennedy appointed his brother who did a good job as AG and Bill put his wife in charge of health reform which after spending $110 million and two years was an utter failure that went nowhere.
Trumps entitled to appoint a woman he has faith in.
Well, she sat on a trustee board for Murdoch's children, which is not really the same as 'being on boards.' Definitely no political qualifications.
And also on the board for 100 Women in Hedge Funds.
These high level advisers don't need to have a political background.