Ivanka Trump and her husband, Jared Kushner, have reportedly chosen not to act as public defenders of Donald Trump in regard to accusations of antisemitism.
The claim arises from Michael Wolff's latest book, "All or Nothing: How Trump Recaptured America," which reveals a series of behind-the-scenes anecdotes from Trump's time in the political spotlight, The Guardian reported.
Wolff suggests that Ivanka and Kushner did not agree with the Trump campaign's request to physically endorse a statement refuting antisemitic claims against the former president.
The book details various incidents during Trump's second term, including interactions between Trump and notable figures like Elon Musk and JD Vance.
The alleged refusal stemmed from a request by Trump for his daughter and son-in-law to provide him with "Jewish cover," according to Wolff's account. Their resistance followed a lack of unequivocal support for Israel by Donald Trump after the October 7, 2023, attacks by Hamas. The Trump campaign was reportedly anxious about an imminent Washington Post article that would spotlight potentially antisemitic rhetoric used by Trump.
Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner, who served as senior advisers during Trump's initial presidency, have since distanced themselves from the Trump administration post-January 6, 2021, Capitol attack.
Kushner, while remaining involved in Middle Eastern efforts, notably in plans concerning the redevelopment of the Gaza Strip, has refrained from inserting himself into divisive issues recently related to his father-in-law.
As outlined in the book, Kushner reportedly expressed his and Ivanka's determination to not become embroiled in this particular matter, which seemed to align with their broader strategy of maintaining their distance.
Despite these revelations, those within Trump's inner circle have strongly criticized Michael Wolff's writings. Susie Wiles and other Trump aides have publicly disparaged Wolff and his publications, labeling his body of work as fictional. Such sentiments were echoed by Steven Cheung, Trump's former White House communications director, who expressed his skepticism of Wolff's intentions and integrity.
In addition to the tensions regarding antisemitism, Wolff provides insights into other internal dynamics during Trump's recent political engagements. This includes Trump's thoughts on Elon Musk and JD Vance.
According to Wolff, Trump found Musk's presence at a Butler, Pennsylvania rally both noteworthy and perplexing. Apparently, Musk declined an offer to engage with Vance, indicating a lack of interest in dialoguing with the vice-presidential figure.
Wolff writes that Trump, in private, voiced confusion and frustration regarding Musk, pondering aloud about Musk's appearances and behaviors.
Moreover, Trump is reported to have expressed doubts concerning Vance, criticizing what he perceived as a questionable past involving multiple name changes, describing these changes as "shifty."
The book's publication by Crown has been accompanied by a media splash, with sections appearing in outlets like Vanity Fair and the Daily Beast. The publisher presents the book as part of the ongoing narrative involving Trump's contentious relationship with the U.S. political establishment. In response, the Trump camp remains united in disavowing the accuracy of Wolff's accounts.
While the book claims to offer detailed insights into Trump's dealings, particularly with high-profile figures, the validity of these accounts remains vigorously challenged by Trump's spokespersons. They insist that Wolff's narratives are creatively exaggerated or entirely fabricated. Nonetheless, Wolff's consistent presence in political literature continues to provoke conversation and debate regarding the dynamics inside Trump's sphere of influence.
