“I Hate Politics”: Ivanka Trump Explains Why She Won’t Return to the White House

Ivanka Trump, once a central figure in her father’s administration, has made it clear: she won’t return to Washington, D.C., for Donald Trump’s second term. Her candid three-word response? “I hate politics.”

In an interview on The Skinny Confidential’s Him & Her Show podcast, Ivanka, 43, opened up about her decision to step away from the political arena, describing it as a “very dark, negative business.” Reflecting on her time as a senior adviser to the president, she admitted, “I love policy and impact. I hate politics. And unfortunately, the two are not separable.”

Ivanka’s departure from political life stems from a deliberate choice to prioritize her family. After relocating to Florida with her husband, Jared Kushner, and their three children following Trump’s 2020 election loss, she has embraced a more private lifestyle.

“The main reason I’m not going back is I know the cost,” she said. “It’s a price I’m not willing to make my kids bear. My highest, most core value is family.”

Recalling the sacrifices she made during her father’s first term, she admitted, “Every time I had to miss something with my kids, I told myself, ‘I’ll never let this happen again.’”

Although she won’t be returning to the White House, Ivanka stressed that she remains committed to supporting her father in a personal capacity. “I’m most looking forward to just showing up for him as a daughter,” she said. “To be there for him, to watch a movie together or a sports game — to provide him a place where he can relax and just be himself.”

Her decision marks a stark departure from her former role as a key player in her father’s administration, during which she spearheaded initiatives on women’s empowerment, family leave policies, and workforce development.

“I did love the impact I had,” she acknowledged. “But there’s a darkness to that world that I don’t want to welcome into mine.”

Ivanka’s decision has been met with understanding from her family. Lara Trump, wife of Eric Trump, recently commented on the toll the first term took on Ivanka and Jared. “It was really tough on them,” Lara said in an interview. “Every time we saw them, it was clear how challenging it was. But they did some incredible things, even if they might not get the credit they deserve.”

Despite the challenges, Ivanka described her time in the White House as a period of significant personal growth. “It was an extraordinary time for learning,” she said. “In retrospect, I broke free from the bubble of the Upper East Side of New York. It opened my eyes to the complexities of our country.”

While she has no plans to return to politics, Ivanka remains optimistic about her future. “I’ve never become cynical about the fundamental goodness of people,” she said. “Hopefully, I’ll live a life that continues to be impactful, regardless of where I do it.”

As Donald Trump prepares to embark on another presidential term, Ivanka’s absence from the political stage underscores her shift in priorities — a move that reflects not just her values but the evolving dynamics within the Trump family.