Robinson: Ivanka Trump’s lack of experience, influence laid bare

Wrong, apparently.

President Trump’s sudden decision last week to bar transgender individuals from military service was just the latest example of Ivanka’s lack of influence. She was reportedly taken by surprise when the president announced the ban in an early-morning tweet. So was almost everyone, including the military officials who are supposed to enforce the new policy of discrimination, which they don’t much seem to like.

Ivanka and Jared reportedly lobbied Trump not to abandon the Paris climate accord, seen by most scientists and world leaders as the most significant step to date in limiting the heat-trapping carbon emissions that are rapidly warming the planet. The president pulled out of the pact anyway.

She had no discernible influence in the health care battle, which perhaps should be no surprise. Trump pledged health insurance “for everybody” but became so desperate for a legislative win that he would have settled for health care “for nobody,” which is roughly what was in the bill that the Senate rejected last week.

Ivanka has continued to advocate a national program of guaranteed paid family leave, similar to those in many other industrialized countries, which she described in a recent Wall Street Journal op-ed as not an entitlement but “an investment in America’s working families.” She did have enough juice to get Budget Director Mick Mulvaney to allocate some money for such a program — $25 billion over 10 years — but it is unclear whether funding will survive the appropriations process.

If it does, I’ll congratulate her. If not, she might want to work to help Democrats take control of both the House and the Senate in 2018. I’m sure they would be happy to vote for a much better family leave program.

Not being helpful

Where Ivanka does apparently have influence is in matters of personnel. She and Jared are reported to have urged Trump to bring in foul-mouthed Anthony Scaramucci as White House communications director. Seriously, that’s the guy you wanted shaping the administration’s message? Scaramucci was dismissed Monday after 10 days on the job. He had only two things to offer: North Korean-style hosannas to the strength, wisdom and general magnificence of his dear leader, President Trump; and an undeniable talent for imaginative swearing.

Ivanka is also said to have supported the defenestration of Reince Priebus in favor of John Kelly as chief of staff. It is true that Priebus didn’t do a very good job, but that’s mostly because he wasn’t allowed to — and Ivanka was one of his headaches. She is one of many aides who enjoy unfettered access to the president. If Kelly is not allowed to function as a gatekeeper, he, too, will fail.

Meanwhile, Ivanka’s line of shoes, clothing and accessories — conspicuously not Made in America — has come under new scrutiny. And one disillusioned friend of hers told me she and Jared must have “drunk the Kool-Aid.” In her White House role, she’s not helping the nation, and she’s sure not helping herself.