In her recent televised interview, Ivanka Trump attempted to convey that her silence is not truly silence. During her first interview following her official White House appointment, it became evident that she is growing weary of defending her actions against critics. When pressed by interviewer Gayle King on CBS News about her critics — particularly those who question her reluctance to address significant issues — Ivanka responded, “I would say not to conflate lack of public denouncement with silence.”
So, her silence is, in fact, not silence; she just opts not to take a public stance on critical topics. King challenged her further, asking, “You have critics who say, ‘Why isn’t Ivanka speaking out? Where is she on Planned Parenthood? Where is she on LGBTQ+ rights? What about women’s rights and climate change?’ You’re being held accountable for your silence. What do you say to them?”
Indeed, where do you stand on these pressing matters, Ivanka? How can you hold a prominent political role without being clear about your views?
Ivanka replied, “I think there are multiple ways to have your voice heard. Sometimes it’s through protest or appearing on the news to denounce issues. Other times, it’s about being quiet and direct.” So, does this quiet method mean you’re telling your father that undermining workplace protections for women is wrong, or do you support that decision? Are you aware that companies working with the government no longer need to prove they pay women equally? What’s your stance on this?
And what about the recent removal of protections that prevented forced arbitration in sexual harassment cases? How does it feel knowing that your father has made it easier for companies to sidestep accountability for harassment?
When asked about his executive order signed just before Equal Pay Day, highlighting wage disparities, Ivanka deflected. “For me, this isn’t about promoting my viewpoints,” she said, insisting that articulating her disagreements wouldn’t make her any more effective as an advocate.
But the current climate suggests otherwise; you’re not being an effective advocate at all. When King questioned whether she felt “complicit” in the administration’s policies, Ivanka stated she was complicit in “wanting to be a force for good.”
Perhaps your silence reveals your true colors; you seem more aligned with your father’s interests than with advocating for women’s rights in the workplace. You’ve never had to fight for respect, given your family’s privilege.
Silence equates to complicity, Ivanka — whether you recognize it or not. You are like a figurehead for working women, draped in the struggles of those who fought for their rights, while your own “working mom” image remains unscathed amidst the chaos.
If your father’s tactics of enforcing silence apply to his family, then it’s time to find your voice. What matters more to you — your position in the West Wing or your integrity? Have you ever explored a mommy blog? You can’t truly have it all.
This article was initially published on April 6, 2017.
In summary, Ivanka Trump’s recent interview illustrates her reluctance to express clear stances on critical issues, and her vague responses leave many questioning her role as an advocate for women’s rights. Her silence amidst significant policy changes reflects a troubling complicity with her father’s administration.