Ivanka Trump described politics as a “dark, negative business” while sharing her reasons for not returning to the White House for her father’s second term.
“I love policy and impact—I dislike politics,” Ivanka shared during her appearance on the Him & Her show, hosted by the husband-and-wife team, Michael and Lauryn Bosstick. “Unfortunately, the two are intertwined. There’s a gloominess to that realm that I don’t want to invite into my life.”
“It’s a very dark, negative business,” Ivanka continued. “Some individuals thrive on the gladiatorial nature of it, the conflict. That was never my inclination.”
She later characterized her political experience as entering an “arena… that was distinct, where people behaved differently compared to the previous arena of business and the private sector.” Nonetheless, she expressed pride in maintaining her core values throughout her time in that role.
Ivanka emphasized her satisfaction in observing the influence of her efforts on constituents, particularly highlighting her work on the child tax credit and paid family leave—policies that were ultimately enacted for federal employees in 2019.
Following Trump’s departure from the White House after losing the 2020 presidential election, Ivanka mentioned reevaluating her priorities to “be the best freaking mom I could be,” feeling she had missed valuable time with her young family.
“I did my utmost, and I believe I was present for all the pivotal moments, but you also don’t want to overlook the little ones,” Ivanka stated. “The primary reason I’m not returning to serve now is—I understand the cost, and it’s a burden I’m not ready to impose on my children.”
