Ivanka Trump becomes controversial advisor

Ivanka Trump - President Trump's daughter has officially become a White House employee, but observers say this could easily violate ethics.

Ms. Ivanka Trump, daughter of President Donald Trump. Photo: Reuters

Ivanka Trump has her own office at the White House to serve as an unpaid “special advisor” to her father, according to the New York Times.

The leading US newspaper also published Ivanka's statement that the newspaper obtained, in which it wrote: "I understand the concerns of some people about my role next to the President. In fact, I became an unpaid employee of the White House in accordance with the ethics regulations applicable to federal employees."

Meanwhile, the White House released a statement full of excitement: "We are pleased that Ivanka Trump has chosen to take this unprecedented step in previous administrations. Ivanka's work without compensation further reinforces our commitment to ethics, transparency, and compliance, and provides her with more opportunities to advance real policy initiatives that benefit the American public."

Ivanka has advised Mr. Trump on issues related to women and attended meetings between the US President and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, German Chancellor Angela Merkel and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.

Her presence at the time drew criticism from the American media about her role in official political meetings.

Ten days ago, there was news that Ivanka would officially start working at the White House.

Ivanka’s lawyer said she plans to file financial disclosures, a requirement for government employees, and praised her client’s decision as a demonstration of “her commitment to ethical principles and her ability to listen to opposing views.”

President Trump is also expected to announce a new unit under the leadership of son-in-law Jared Kushner, Ivanka's husband, to reform the government's operating mechanism from initiatives in the business sector.

Mr. Kushner currently holds the role of “senior advisor to the President” and is working in the West Wing, where his wife recently had an office.

Ivanka's official role, however, raises further questions about the possibility of conflicts of interest and further fuels debate about the fine line between the Trump family's business and the political positions of some members of the Trump family.

According to Tuoi Tre