Ivanka Trump: what does the future hold?
What follows Ivanka next: Will the Trumps become social outcasts next year? "I am not saying they will throw tomatoes at them," says a New York socialite, "but they will be off the guest lists and will be rejected at restaurants."
The world is counting the days until Donald Trump leaves the White House, bringing one of America's most unique families back to life outside of the Washington bubble. Before he became US President, Donald Trump and his family were one of New York City's most ubiquitous social icons, and Manhattanites revered and mocked the Trump family in equal measure.
"They were omni," says Jill Kargman, daughter of former Chanel president Arie Kopelman, who was circulating at the same Upper East Side parties. “They were going to the opening of whatever it was, so they didn't necessarily like it. But they did not resist not being present ”.
But that was before four years of racial inequality, locking immigrant babies in cages, banning Muslims and separating children from their parents. It was before the coronavirus crisis in the country, which has caused 250,000 deaths, a figure that continues to rise.
What follows the Trumps?
For Donald and Melania, a life in Florida seems likely. Trump escapes to Mar-a-Lago, the Florida golf resort he owns, frequently. Even when he is supposed to be immersed in the administration of the United States. Retirement is likely to give you (even) more time to spend on the golf course. Though some social commentators have been concerned that Melania, whose love for her husband has always seemed forced, will want to shoot him after losing the keys to the White House.
Trump senior may want to run for president again in 2024, in part to keep the feds at bay. "I don't see him running again in 2024," says Steven Buckley, an associate professor at the University of the West of England who studies US media, politics and social media. "His only motivation may be the criminal immunity granted by the office of the presidency." But the howls of the crowd will keep him involved in politics. "He'll keep holding rallies," says Buckley. "It will continue to fuel the need to be in the spotlight."
The children of the former president
As for Trump's children, Ivanka Trump and her husband Jared Kushner were once seen as comparatively progressive and straight-thinking citizens who appeared frequently at New York events. Kushner, despite the scandals surrounding his father, was a publishing mogul, owner of the New York Observer, which granted him access to ostentatious events.
Now New York appears to be sharpening its knives to rip ‘Javanka’ to shreds as they plot their return, carrying four years of deeply divisive political baggage. "I know enough outraged New Yorkers who will freeze them socially," says Kargman.
"I'm not saying they will throw tomatoes at them, but they will be off the guest lists and will be turned away at restaurants," he adds. "Once the coronavirus is gone and people are filling up Broadway shows, bars and lovely streets to wander around, they won't be able to do any of that because the boos will be deafening."
“It seems likely that Ivanka will try to get back into business. She will keep her distance from politics while making the occasional paid speech about her time in the White House, ”Buckley acknowledges. But he doesn't think she is risking going into politics. As for President Trump's other sons, the academic has little hope for their political future.
"I find it highly unlikely that she or her siblings will run for any kind of elective office," she says. The reason? ‘Too much hard work for not much money. They also have a zero percent chance of winning. They lack the charisma of their father and the party will not favor the possibility of a second Trump surprise either. '
It can be a tough life for the Trumps in January. "I see them as Glenn Close at the end of Dangerous Liaisons with the whole opera making fun of her," says Kargman. "And for native New Yorkers, whether they go to jail or not, if they have to sneak out like the rodents that go to Florida, they are already in prison."
