During the tumultuous 2016 presidential campaign, a striking proposal was put forward by then-candidate Donald Trump: he considered nominating his daughter, Ivanka Trump, as his vice-presidential running mate. This surprising idea is disclosed in a forthcoming book by former campaign deputy Rick Gates, which delves into the intricate dynamics within the Trump campaign.
The book, titled “Wicked Game: An Insider’s Story on How Trump Won, Mueller Failed, and America Lost,” is set to be released on October 13. According to The Guardian, it provides a detailed account of this unprecedented suggestion by Trump, illustrating the deep political engagement within the Trump family. Gates shares an instance where Trump, discussing potential running mates, pronounced, “I think it should be Ivanka.” This notion, as unconventional as it was, reportedly took the room by surprise, reflecting a moment of genuine consideration rather than a fleeting thought.
Trump’s contemplation of Ivanka as a potential vice president was not merely theoretical; he went as far as conducting public polling to gauge the viability of such a choice. Ivanka, who was 34 at the time and had never held elected office, was approached by her father with the idea. Gates paints a vivid picture of her reaction, noting her initial surprise and subsequent advice against pursuing the proposal. He describes a scene where Trump extolled Ivanka’s virtues to his aides, proclaiming her brightness, intelligence, and appeal to the public.
Despite Trump’s enthusiasm for this idea, the vice-presidential slot ultimately went to Mike Pence, then the governor of Indiana. Pence was selected following his vehement critique of Trump’s opponent, Hillary Clinton, which aligned with Trump’s campaign strategy. Gates’s narrative extends beyond this, discussing other potential candidates considered for the role, such as Condoleezza Rice, Bob Corker, Jeff Sessions, Joni Ernst, and Robert Gates. He also reveals that Ivanka and her husband Jared Kushner favored Newt Gingrich, the former House Speaker.
Gates’s book also explores internal dynamics within Trump’s inner circle, revealing conflicts and alliances. For instance, he touches on the alleged efforts by him and Ivanka to overshadow Melania Trump, referencing claims from Stephanie Winston-Wolkoff’s book about Melania’s challenges, including the infamous speech plagiarism incident and controversies surrounding inauguration fund allocations, told the Washington Post.
The narrative presented by Gates is neither overly critical nor excessively laudatory of Trump. It stands out from other memoirs by former Trump staffers by offering a balanced view of the president’s campaign and administration. Gates provides a detailed behind-the-scenes look at the strategic decisions and interpersonal dynamics that shaped Trump’s presidency.
As the political scene continues to evolve, Ivanka Trump remains a significant figure, with ongoing speculation about her own political aspirations, potentially for the 2024 presidential race. Trump’s initial suggestion of her as a vice-presidential candidate, whether serious or speculative, underscores the enduring intrigue surrounding the Trump family’s political saga. This revelation adds a fascinating layer to our understanding of the internal considerations of the Trump campaign.
