On Wednesday night, Ivanka shared several pictures on her Instagram account. The photos showed her, her husband Jared Kushner, their three kids, and President Donald Trump standing proudly inside the Oval Office. They were there to celebrate Charles Kushner, Jared’s father, who had just been sworn in as the new United States Ambassador to France and Monaco.
Ivanka smiled for the camera in a bright red outfit. Jared stood nearby with the children. Donald Trump was in the center, once again looking like the star of the show.
Ivanka’s caption read, “A special day with the people we love! Today, surrounded by family, Charles Kushner was sworn in as the U.S. Ambassador to France and Monaco by @potus and Secretary of State @marcorubio. Congratulations, Ambassador Charles Kushner!”
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But the post quickly turned into a debate. Critics called the event a clear example of nepotism. They pointed out that Charles Kushner is the father of Trump’s son-in-law and has no real qualifications for the role of ambassador. He is also a convicted felon, having served time in prison for tax fraud, witness tampering, and illegal campaign donations.
Many people asked the obvious question: Why is someone like this being rewarded with such an important job?
One person simply wrote, “Nepotism much??” Another asked, “Why?! What are his qualifications? Favors?! Money?! nepotism?! Insanity.” A third person added, “Nepotism remains alive and kicking in the Trump Whitehouse! What an authoritarian dystopia!”
Although many were angry, not everyone in the comments shared the same sentiment. Some people liked the pictures and left heart emojis. One user wrote, “Beautiful family. Congratulations, Mr. Kushner.” Another said, “Mazal tov! What a profound experience for the kids!”
A few people tried to defend the post. One person commented, “No. It’s called families that are close… Nepotism has no place in Trump’s administration… the previous administration definitely.” Someone else said, “What? They are taking a pic not working there.”
But to many, it gave the impression that getting a top job under Trump is about who you know, not what you know.
The criticism did not stop in the comments. People also took to X, formerly Twitter, to share their outrage.
Coupled with Charles Kushner was sworn in as Ambassador to France…
Pardoned from prison by Trump his 1st term.
Second term he’s been made an Ambassador.
Ivanka’s father in law Jarod’s father
all in the family Nepotism pic.twitter.com/u2HQiNsWPy— ~marlene~ 🧘🏼♀️ (@Septembers_Song) June 20, 2025
Annd we have another bout with Trump’s nepotism:
Ivanka Trump and son-in-law Jared Kushner. Finally show their faces:
The couple was at the White House to watch the swearing in of Charles Kushner, Jared’s father, (The pardoned criminal) as U.S. ambassador to France.— CaneCove (@CaneCove) June 18, 2025
Wow, Ivanka — what a heartwarming moment! Nothing says “merit-based diplomacy” like your felon father-in-law being sworn in as Ambassador to France and Monaco by your dad, while your husband watches and Marco Rubio pretends this is normal.
Truly inspiring to see how, in…
— Ex MAGA Bro (@ExMAGABro) June 19, 2025
The photos also came just days after Ivanka posted a long message for Father’s Day. She shared more pictures of her family and thanked both her dad and her husband. About Donald Trump, she wrote, “Your unwavering determination, boundless vision, and deep love for family have been a guiding force in my life. You taught me to dream boldly, work relentlessly, and never give up.”
Ivanka may have hoped the moment would come across as proud and full of love. But to many people watching, it looked like more of the same. A rich and powerful family, smiling in the Oval Office, while handing out big jobs to people who did not earn them.
Featured image via Screengrab