Maria Shriver Slams Ivanka Trump for Her Silence Amid Migrant Crisis: ‘Step Up or Step Down’
Maria Shriver has called on Ivanka Trump to stand up to and speak out against her father’s administration’s “zero-tolerance” immigration policy.
In an impassioned tweet on Tuesday night, Shriver, 62, wrote, “Now would be a good time for Ivanka Trump to show what it means to be an advisor on women’s issues, a proponent of female empowerment.”
“You can’t be an advocate for women, mothers and not speak up about what is happening to women and children at this moment,” said Shriver, adding the hashtag, “#KeepFamiliesTogether.”
Shriver re-shared the tweet on Wednesday, writing, “I haven’t heard an answer @IvankaTrump. Step up or step down.”
The mother of three, 36, has often spoken out about the importance of paid family leave and empowering women, though has repeatedly declined to condemn her father’s actions, including once refusing to answer a question about the numerous women who have accused him of sexual misconduct, calling the inquiry “inappropriate.” (The president has long denied the claims.)
Ivanka —who also serves as a special advisor to the president — has yet to comment publicly about what many believe to be inhumane and unjust actions being taken by the president with his immigration policy, which is tearing apart families at the Mexico-U.S. border. Many have slammed her lack of response and called on Ivanka to speak out.
Now would be a good time for Ivanka Trump to show what it means to be an advisor on women’s issues, a proponent of female empowerment. You can’t be an advocate for women, mothers and not speak up about what is happening to women and children at this moment. #KeepFamiliesTogether
— Maria Shriver (@mariashriver) June 19, 2018
I tweeted this yesterday. I haven't heard an answer @IvankaTrump. Step up or step down. https://t.co/TrV5qq4Avm
— Maria Shriver (@mariashriver) June 20, 2018
CNN White House reporter Kaitlan Collins pointedly questioned Ivanka’s silence, writing on Twitter: “Everything we have heard about Ivanka Trump being unhappy with the family separation policy has come from her father, a press secretary and Republican lawmakers. But nothing from taxpayer funded senior adviser to the president herself.”
Everything we have heard about Ivanka Trump being unhappy with the family separation policy has come from her father, a press secretary and Republican lawmakers. But nothing from taxpayer funded senior adviser to the president herself.
— Kaitlan Collins (@kaitlancollins) June 20, 2018
. @IvankaTrump hey have you heard about all the stuff happening with children being separated from their parents? I know we didn’t elect you or anything but since you generally seem comfy representing America when it’s convenient I wonder if you have any thoughts on this?
— elan gale (@theyearofelan) June 20, 2018
Dear @IvankaTrump,
When you shared Theodore's birth, you were wearing a plastic bracelet on your right wrist.
It was to ensure that, even in the safety of a hospital, you would never be separated from him.
Will you ask your father to give the same to each family on the border? pic.twitter.com/AC4bNIfJml— Anand Giridharadas (@AnandWrites) June 20, 2018
We have to do something now! It’s not about about the law, it’s about human decency. Put these babies and children back with their parents and families. @IvankaTrump and Melanie shame on you for doing and saying nothing.
— lisa rinna (@lisarinna) June 20, 2018
Earlier this week, Ivanka came under fire for a $5,000 metallic Carolina Herrera gown she wore back in Jan. 2017, which many on social media compared to the thermal blankets being used by migrant children inside a processing detention center run by the Department of Homeland Security.
The image quickly became a meme, with other users posting their own versions of it along with scathing commentary.
Ivanka was also criticized for her two Father’s Day posts on Sunday, the first featuring her smiling as Kushner and President Trump exchange a high five.
“Happy #FathersDay to these two amazing dads ?,” she captioned the photo.
Another image showed a family portrait of Ivanka, Kushner and their three children — Arabella, 6, Joseph, 4, and Theodore, 2.
“Happy Father’s Day to my love! Thank you for being such an incredible dad (and husband!). We love you ]]>😍