German Foreign Minister Criticizes Ivanka Trump for 'Nepotism'

German Foreign Minister Sigmar Gabriel has become the most prominent foreign leader to criticize Ivanka Trump's role in her father's administration, culminating in her visit to Berlin for the W20 summit on women's empowerment.

Ivanka Trump watches German Chancellor Angela Merkel speak during a dinner at Deutsche Bank during the W20 summit on April 25, 2017 in Berlin, Germany. Photo: Getty Images

Ivanka Trump watches German Chancellor Angela Merkel speak during a dinner at Deutsche Bank during the W20 summit on April 25, 2017 in Berlin, Germany. Photo: Getty Images

Speaking to German media outlet Funke, Mr. Gabriel commented that Ivanka's advisory role in the administration of US President Donald Trump is a manifestation of "nepotism".

“I always find it annoying when family members, who have never been elected, suddenly appear as official representatives of the state,” German Foreign Minister Gabriel was quoted as saying by The Local.

“For me, there are things that are strange, like the visit of Mr. Trump’s daughter to Germany, that are treated as an important world event. The mixing of politics with family and business reminds us of nepotism and is unthinkable here,” he added.

Earlier, Ivanka Trump made her first official visit to Berlin as First Daughter and Advisor to the US President at the invitation of German Chancellor Angela Merkel. She also made notable speeches at a conference promoting economic empowerment for women.

Ivanka shakes hands with German Chancellor Angela Merkel at a conference promoting economic empowerment for women in Berlin.

This is not the first time Trump's daughter has faced accusations of "nepotism".

In March, Norman Eisen, former ethics adviser to former President Barack Obama, told CNN that Ivanka’s meeting as an adviser to the President “violated” nepotism rules, which specifically prohibit a federal official, including a member of Congress, from appointing, recommending or recommending the appointment of any relative of that official to any agency or department that has a significant role in the government.

Jason Miller, the chief spokesman for Trump's presidential campaign, once defended Ivanka, stating that her role was voluntary and not paid like a regular civil servant.

But critics say Ivanka still receives benefits paid for by American taxpayers. Ms. Trump has an office in the West Wing, security clearances and a phone.

According to TPO