Lara Trump, daughter-in-law of former President Donald Trump, envisions a prominent role for herself in his second term, aiming to amplify the administration’s achievements. From a young age, she harbored ambitions of significant involvement in something impactful, a foreshadowing of her current position. Now 42, she stands as a testament to women’s potential within the Trump sphere, having ascended from a relatively unknown background to a position of influence, thanks, she claims, to the former President’s unwavering support.
Lara firmly believes Trump is a champion of women, citing the numerous female figures holding key positions within his circle. She emphasizes his meritocratic approach, valuing competence over gender, religion, or any other personal attribute. This resonates with her personal philosophy, as she believes opportunities should be earned through ability, not afforded based on gender. Looking ahead, she anticipates a female Republican president during her lifetime, cautioning against using gender as the sole basis for electability, as seen in Hillary Clinton’s campaign.
Her journey into the Trump family began with her move to New York City and a career at “Inside Edition.” There, she met and married Eric Trump, the president’s youngest son from his first marriage. This union brought her into the complex world of the Trump dynasty, a far cry from her upbringing in North Carolina. Life as a Trump daughter-in-law has been marked by both privilege and peril, including a chilling incident where a would-be assassin targeted her father-in-law during a rally. This experience forced her to shield her young children from the harsh realities of political violence, carefully explaining the situation in a way they could comprehend.
As a mother, Lara is particularly concerned about the cultural landscape impacting children, specifically the discussions surrounding transgender athletes and gender-affirming care for minors. She expresses apprehension about the potential influence on young children, fearing the implications of irreversible decisions made at a tender age. While supporting individual autonomy for adults, she believes parents should have the right to guide their children on such sensitive matters. This concern extends to broader societal issues, particularly the rising crime rates and perceived leniency in major cities like New York and San Francisco. She contrasts her experience of navigating the city via subway, even with Secret Service protection, with the current climate of fear and insecurity.
The Trump family’s foray into politics has not been without personal cost. Lara acknowledges the strain of the first administration on family relationships, citing the loss of friendships due to differing political views. This experience has shaped their approach to the second term, with a more discerning attitude towards those they allow into their inner circle. The toll on Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner, who played significant roles in the first administration, has led them to opt out of direct involvement this time around, a decision Lara understands and respects, acknowledging their contributions and the challenges they faced.
The second Trump administration, according to Lara, will be marked by a more cautious approach to trust and a greater focus on achieving tangible results. One notable figure within this new circle is Elon Musk, whose frequent presence at Mar-a-Lago signals a close relationship with the former President. Lara describes Musk as a “First Buddy,” highlighting his intellect and potential contributions to the country. As for her own political future, Lara recently declined to run for a US Senate seat in Florida, citing family considerations as a primary factor. Despite this decision, she leaves the door open for future political endeavors, suggesting that a “no for now” doesn’t necessarily mean “no forever.” This leaves open the possibility of a more prominent role in the future, potentially leveraging her experience and connection to the Trump administration.
