Politics

Ivanka Trump Could Get This Perk at the White House

December 14th 2016

Ivanka Trump could have a seat in the East Wing of the White House when her father assumes office next month, multiple sources reported on Wednesday.

ivanka-trumpAP/Carolyn Kaster - apimages.com

The East Wing room, which has traditionally been occupied by the first lady, is expected to be used by multiple members of the Trump family, including the incoming first daughter, according to CNN.

Though the Trump transition team has not confirmed what, if any, role Ivanka would play in the new administration, the president-elect has expressed interest in having both Ivanka and her husband Jared Kushner as advisers in the White House. In an interview with Fox News' Chris Wallace on Sunday, Trump said his team was "working that out right now" in response to a question about whether the couple would join his administration.

"They're both very talented people," Trump said.

Trump's business interests, meanwhile, will be left to his sons Donald Jr. and Eric, Trump said in a tweet on Monday.

On the campaign trail, Ivanka and Kushner played key roles as advisers shaping Trump's platform. Ivanka has prioritized environmental issues and family leave policy — and sources say she could continue to advise her father on those matters during his presidency.

That said, there are nepotism laws that could prevent Trump from directly hiring his daughter or son-in-law.

donald-trumpAP/Andrew Harnik - apimages.com

Federal law stipulates that "[a] public official may not appoint, employ, promote, advance, or advocate for appointment, employment, promotion, or advancement, in or to a civilian position in the agency in which he is serving or over which he exercises jurisdiction or control any individual who is a relative of the public official."

CNN noted that there could be a loophole, though. Because the law specifically states that those found to have violated the nepotism clause are "not entitled to pay," that could mean that Ivanka and Kushner could serve in the administration if they give up their paycheck.

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