She’s back. Sorta. After years of staying miles away from the campaign trail, the question of whether was Ivanka Trump at the inauguration in January 2025 became a massive talking point for anyone watching the screen. People were scanning the crowd for that familiar blonde hair. If you blinked, you might have missed the nuance of her return.
Honestly, Ivanka’s presence wasn't just about a seat in a row; it was a vibe shift. During the first term, she was everywhere. Senior Advisor. West Wing office. Constant headlines. This time around, things looked very different. She did show up, but the "First Daughter" energy had evolved into something much more private.
Setting the Scene: Was Ivanka Trump at the Inauguration?
Yes, she was there. Ivanka Trump attended the 60th Presidential Inauguration on January 20, 2025, alongside her husband, Jared Kushner. They weren't just random guests, obviously. They were positioned prominently, but there was a distinct lack of the "political operative" aura she carried back in 2017.
The ceremony actually had to be moved inside to the U.S. Capitol Rotunda because it was absolutely freezing in D.C. that morning. Imagine the logistics of cramming that many people into the Rotunda. Ivanka was seen walking in tandem with her siblings—Don Jr., Eric, and Tiffany—as they made their way to the swearing-in. It was a rare full-family visual that we haven't seen in a long time.
🔗 Read more: Jeremy Renner Accident Recovery: What Really Happened Behind the Scenes
What she wore (Because everyone asks)
If you follow fashion, you know Ivanka usually goes for power whites or sharp neutrals. Not this time. She showed up in a forest green Dior skirt suit. It was sharp. It felt very "European chic" rather than "Washington staffer." She paired it with a matching fascinator and black gloves.
Interestingly, her daughter, Arabella Kushner, was right there by her side, matching the sophisticated energy in a camel-colored cape coat. They looked like a duo that had traded the chaos of the West Wing for the high-end quiet of Miami life.
Why her presence felt different this time
In 2017, Ivanka was a central pillar of the administration. In 2025? She was a daughter supporting her father. That’s a huge distinction. She’s been very vocal about the fact that she’s "opting out" of the political machine. She even posted on Instagram before the event, talking about how she wanted to prioritize her kids and their private life.
💡 You might also like: Kendra Wilkinson Photos: Why Her Latest Career Pivot Changes Everything
Basically, she’s done with the "darkness" of politics. That’s her word, not mine. In an interview on the Skinny Confidential podcast, she mentioned that while she loves "policy and impact," she actually hates the "gladiator aspect" of the political world.
- The Family Dynamic: While Barron Trump was seated right next to Melania in the front, Ivanka was slightly further back.
- The Social Media Shift: Her posts weren't about policy wins or "America First" slogans. They were nostalgic. She shared old photos from the 2017 inauguration, reflecting on her kids' "special moments" like lighting Shabbat candles in the Lincoln Bedroom.
- The Gala Scene: She didn't skip the parties. At the candlelight dinner at the National Building Museum, she wore a custom Oscar de la Renta gown. It was all crystals and pearls—definitely not the look of someone trying to hide.
The "Handmaid's Tale" Controversy
Social media is a weird place. As soon as photos of Ivanka in that forest green Dior suit hit the internet, people started making comparisons to the character Serena Joy from The Handmaid’s Tale. It was a bit of a reach, but it went viral anyway. People love to read into color choices in D.C. Is green the new "quiet luxury" or was it a deeper statement? Honestly, it was probably just a great suit from a designer her stepmother, Melania, also loves.
Where she stands now
The big takeaway from seeing her at the Capitol is that Ivanka Trump is currently a civilian with a very famous dad. She isn't taking an office. She isn't heading up initiatives on workforce development or women’s empowerment from within the government.
📖 Related: What Really Happened With the Brittany Snow Divorce
She arrived in D.C. on a special mission Air Force plane from Florida with the rest of the family, but the "Senior Advisor" title stayed in the past. She’s focusing on the "Kushner Cottage" renovations in Miami and being a mom to Arabella, Joseph, and Theodore.
Moving forward with the Trump family news
If you're trying to keep track of the family roles in this second term, don't look to Ivanka for the political scoops. Look toward Donald Trump Jr. or Lara Trump, who have taken much more active "front-line" roles. Ivanka seems content being the stylish daughter in the background.
Key things to remember about Ivanka’s 2025 appearance:
- Attendance: Confirmed. She was at the Rotunda ceremony and the evening balls.
- Role: No official government role this time; she is prioritizing her family.
- Fashion: Transitioned from the "all-white" power looks of 2017 to deep greens and vintage-inspired Givenchy for the balls.
- Vibe: Very much "family first," appearing more like a supportive relative than a political strategist.
If you’re following the 2025 administration's movements, keep an eye on the official appointments list. You won't find her name there, but you’ll likely see her at the big state dinners or holiday events at the White House. She’s staying in the family circle, just not in the inner "war room."
To stay updated on the latest shifts in the Trump family's roles, you can follow official White House press releases or check in on Ivanka's personal social media, where she typically shares "behind the scenes" family glimpses rather than political commentary.