American Politics: Moving Backwards | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Politics

American Politics: Moving Backwards

"Introducing Complicit, a new fragrance for Ivanka Trump" ~SNL

20
American Politics: Moving Backwards
Chicago Tribune

The term “sorry not sorry” is a common one among millennials. It’s often seen as a backhanded remark on how unapologetic one usually is.

Ever since President Donald Trump took office, his eldest daughter, Ivanka Trump, has been offering plenty of variations of the equivocal “sorry not sorry”. Last month, Ivanka moved into an advisory position as a government employee in the White House, despite previously stating that she would not take an official role in her father’s administration. This - without surprise - caused quite amount of backlash among American citizens.

And sure enough, Ivanka issued a public “sorry not sorry” statement; although in her case specifically, it was an acknowledgment rather than an apology. In her statement, Ivanka said “I have heard the concerns some have with my advising the President in my personal capacity while voluntarily complying with all ethics rules, and I will instead serve as an unpaid employee in the White House Office, subject to all of the same rules as other federal employees,” (cited in a New York Times article). She continued, “Throughout this process, I have been working closely and in good faith with the White House counsel and my personal counsel to address the unprecedented nature of my role,”

As much as Ivanka is trying to brush this aside with her public statements, her willingness to take on an active federal role raises major ethical red flags that the public cannot ignore. Ivanka would be granted security clearance, government-issued devices and access to classified information. Not only is this move a violation of federal rules, it ignores normal procedures of employment. An office in the West Wing usually requires one to have years of expertise. Ironically, much like her father, Ivanka is being placed at the center of the federal administration without any political background or experience.

Upon her immediate arrival at the White House, Ivanka stayed rather quiet and took an inconspicuous role by her father’s side. This appears to have changed quite drastically; from hosting meetings with policymakers to being a major influence behind the attack on Syria, Ivanka is practically ruling Trump’s administration.

And much like her father, Ivanka has a major conflict of interest: her clothing and jewelry line. Although she sold millions of dollars in assets to comply with anti-nepotism rules, there is no denying that she still owns the company. That is, there is nothing to stop her from following in her father’s footsteps, whose hotels and golf courses continue to create business relations with foreign companies. The Trump family’s active role in the political affairs of the White House means less accountability for Ivanka when she runs into conflicts of interests, which will no doubt happen. And having her issue public statements reassuring the public is simply not enough.

The United States federal government is known to pride itself on many values, some of which include equality, fairness, and justice. However, since the start of the Trump presidency, it is clear that such values are long gone. Instead, the federal government has taken upon itself to turn a blind eye to clear violations of legal procedures.

It is time for people to realize the long-term harm of such actions. It is time for people to accept that Ivanka is not a better version of her father (rather just a less offensive one). And in the words of “Saturday Night Live”... “Complicit.”



Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Entertainment

Every Girl Needs To Listen To 'She Used To Be Mine' By Sara Bareilles

These powerful lyrics remind us how much good is inside each of us and that sometimes we are too blinded by our imperfections to see the other side of the coin, to see all of that good.

142108
Every Girl Needs To Listen To 'She Used To Be Mine' By Sara Bareilles

The song was sent to me late in the middle of the night. I was still awake enough to plug in my headphones and listen to it immediately. I always did this when my best friend sent me songs, never wasting a moment. She had sent a message with this one too, telling me it reminded her so much of both of us and what we have each been through in the past couple of months.

Keep Reading...Show less
Zodiac wheel with signs and symbols surrounding a central sun against a starry sky.

What's your sign? It's one of the first questions some of us are asked when approached by someone in a bar, at a party or even when having lunch with some of our friends. Astrology, for centuries, has been one of the largest phenomenons out there. There's a reason why many magazines and newspapers have a horoscope page, and there's also a reason why almost every bookstore or library has a section dedicated completely to astrology. Many of us could just be curious about why some of us act differently than others and whom we will get along with best, and others may just want to see if their sign does, in fact, match their personality.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

20 Song Lyrics To Put A Spring Into Your Instagram Captions

"On an island in the sun, We'll be playing and having fun"

34527
Person in front of neon musical instruments; glowing red and white lights.
Photo by Spencer Imbrock on Unsplash

Whenever I post a picture to Instagram, it takes me so long to come up with a caption. I want to be funny, clever, cute and direct all at the same time. It can be frustrating! So I just look for some online. I really like to find a song lyric that goes with my picture, I just feel like it gives the picture a certain vibe.

Here's a list of song lyrics that can go with any picture you want to post!

Keep Reading...Show less
Chalk drawing of scales weighing "good" and "bad" on a blackboard.
WP content

Being a good person does not depend on your religion or status in life, your race or skin color, political views or culture. It depends on how good you treat others.

We are all born to do something great. Whether that be to grow up and become a doctor and save the lives of thousands of people, run a marathon, win the Noble Peace Prize, or be the greatest mother or father for your own future children one day. Regardless, we are all born with a purpose. But in between birth and death lies a path that life paves for us; a path that we must fill with something that gives our lives meaning.

Keep Reading...Show less
Health and Wellness

10 Hygiene Tips For All College Athletes

College athletes, it's time we talk about sports hygiene.

30940
Woman doing pull-ups on bars with sun shining behind her.

I got a request to talk about college athletes hygiene so here it is.

College athletes, I get it, you are busy! From class, to morning workouts, to study table, to practice, and more. But that does not excuse the fact that your hygiene comes first! Here are some tips when it comes to taking care of your self.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments