Ivanka Trump for 'tough' 2022 fight as Jared Kushner vows to ‘protect’ ex First Daughter
Ivanka Trump has been warned about a "tough" fight if she runs for office by a Florida senator, as speculations rises the former First Daughter wants a political career after Donald Trump left the White House.
Marco Rubio, Republican senator for Florida, was asked whether Ms Trump could challenge for his seat in 2022. After the former President and his family left the White House last week, Ms Trump and her husband Jared Kushner have leased a condo at the Arte Surfside in Miami, Florida amid speculation of a future political career for the former First Couple.
Speaking to Fox News’ Chris Wallace, Mr Rubio said Ms Trump is in for a "tough race", but did not dismiss her chances.
He said: “Well, I don’t really get into the parlour games of Washington
“If you’re going to run for the Florida Senate, if you’re going to run state-wide in the state of Florida, you’re going to have a tough race and that might include a primary. That’s their right under the system.
“I don’t own the Senate seat. If I want to be back in the US Senate, I have to earn that every six years.”
The senator then continued to tout his record working under the former President, and said “I like Ivanka”.
He added: “We've worked very well together on issues. Look, anybody can decide to run if they want to.
"I mean I'm not entitled to anything and so forth. I've got to earn my way forward. I'm very proud of our record.
"I would point to the last four years working with President Trump in the White House and I can tell you it's probably been the most productive four year period of any US senator from Florida in modern history."
Sources close to the family told Politico Mr Kushner is “working single-mindedly to protect and promote his wife’s ‘political career’".
A Republican fundraiser also told the outlet Mr Kushner is already campaigning for his wife to oust Mr Rubio in 2022.
They added: “He’s calling people and trying to line them up saying Rubio is terrible, worthless, he’s probably going to lose, Ivanka is going to go there and we should all get together and pledge our support to her and get her to run.”
Another source told CNN in December: “Ivanka definitely has political ambitions, no question about it.
“She wants to run for something, but that still needs to be figured out.”
Republicans have sought to distance themselves from the Trump family in the wake of the January 6 US Capitol riots.
Five people died on the insurrection, including a police officer, with more than 100 people arrested in connection with the event.
One Republican strategist told Politico said: “Their brand was certainly stained and it’s a stain we’ll never be able to erase.
“At the same time, the name of the game is winning a primary and someone with the last name of Trump could win.”
Rick Scott, head of the National Republican Senatorial Committee, also refused to support Ms Trump over a potential run for Senate.
He told reporters when asked about the firmer First Daughter: “I’m supporting incumbents.”
Mr Scott also said “nobody has talked to me” about Ms Trump potentially running against Mr Rubio, and stated he has not spoke the the former President since he left office.
The 2022 midterms will see at least 34 Senate seats up for grabs, with 20 coming from Republicans.
