Ivanka Trump says she won’t ‘swing back’ at critics while claiming gossip is ‘equivalent of murder’

Ivanka Trump shared a powerful message on Instagram amid ongoing criticism and rumors about her relationship with her father, Donald Trump
PUBLISHED NOV 21, 2024
Ivanka Trump distanced herself from politics after her father's 2020 election loss (James Devaney/GC Images)
Ivanka Trump distanced herself from politics after her father's 2020 election loss (James Devaney/GC Images)

NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK: Ivanka Trump recently made waves with a profound message to her critics, likening malicious speech to the "moral equivalent of murder."

The 42-year-old, soon-to-be First Daughter, shared her thoughts on her Instagram Story, reposting a podcast snippet where she delved into the Jewish concept of Lashon Harah (translated as "evil speech"), Daily Mail reported.

Ivanka Trump speaks during a campaign event with Senators Kelly Loeffler (R-GA) and David Perdue (R-GA) on December 21, 2020 in Milton, Georgia. The two Georgia U.S. Senate runoff elections on Jan. 5 will decide control of the Senate. (Photo by Elijah Nouvelage/Getty Images)
Ivanka Trump speaks during a campaign event with Senators Kelly Loeffler (R-GA) and David Perdue (R-GA) on December 21, 2020 in Milton, Georgia (Elijah Nouvelage/Getty Images)

Ivanka Trump gets candid on online criticism and moral philosophy

"There is a concept in Judaism called Lashon Harah, which is, I think quite literally translated to evil speech,” Ivanka Trump explained.

“The idea that speaking poorly of another is almost the moral equivalent to murder because you can't repair it. You can apologize, but you can't repair it."

Her message, a response to ongoing online criticism, comes just weeks after a video circulated of her father, Donald Trump, appearing to snub her for X founder Elon Musk.

While the incident fueled speculation about their relationship, Ivanka focused her remarks on a broader principle: the harm caused by negativity.


 
 
 
 
 
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She revealed that the concept deeply informs her parenting and personal philosophy. “I think about that a lot. I talk about this concept with my kids a lot,” she shared.

“I'm not willing to pay the price of that fleeting and momentary satisfaction of sort of swinging back because I think it would be too expensive for my soul. That's how I made peace with it because that feels more true for me."

Ivanka’s reflective post also underscored her ongoing transition away from political life.

Ivanka Trump prioritizes family over politics

Following her father Donald Trump’s 2020 election loss, she and her husband, Jared Kushner, relocated to Florida with their children Arabella, 12; Joseph, 9; and Theodore, 8.

While once a prominent figure in Donald Trump’s administration—holding a West Wing office and serving as a global representative—Ivanka has distanced herself from the political arena.

Her absence was especially noticeable during Trump’s 2022 re-election campaign announcement at Mar-a-Lago, a sharp contrast to her active role during his first term.

WASHINGTON, DC - DECEMBER 11: White House senior advisors Jared Kushner and his wife Ivanka Trump st
Jared Kushner and his wife Ivanka Trump stand with their children during a second Hanukkah reception of the evening, in the East Room of the White House on December 11, 2019 in Washington, DC (Mark Wilson/Getty Images)

In a statement at the time, she made her intentions clear: “This time around, I am choosing to prioritize my children and the private life we are creating as a family. I do not plan to be involved in politics.”

Behind her decision lies a complex backstory. Sources close to Ivanka revealed that tensions arose after the January 6 Capitol riot and her subsequent subpoena during investigations into her father’s attempts to remain in power.

“She felt like she was being asked to reveal something she did not know anything about and she never wants to be in [that] position again,” a source told Daily Mail.

With Lara Trump, wife of Ivanka’s brother Eric Trump, stepping into a larger political role, Ivanka seems content focusing on her family and personal pursuits.

“Her family means the world to her, and she is now focusing on being a mom and other private ventures,” the insider added.

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