A recent pledge from Ivanka Trump to solve cold cases involving Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG) has some singing her praises, but many in the affected communities remain skeptical.
Ivanka Trump is no stranger to criticism for the actions she takes as her father's advisor. Her elevation to the position puzzled many, as it was largely unprecedented for the President's child to be appointed to such a position of power.
Many have touted Ivanka as a moderating influence for her father, but not everyone is convinced.
Donald Trump's niece Mary, who recently published a scathing book about her uncle titled Too Much and Never Enough: How My Family Created the World's Most Dangerous Man, talked about Ivanka's position and supposedly moderate voice within the White House.
"I think she's the one who disproves that on an almost-daily basis. [Ivanka] doesn't do anything. She spouts bromides on social media, but either she tries to have an impact and fails, or just isn't interested in having an impact."
When Ivanka does attempt to have political impact, it is often met with criticism from the public. Her most recent foray into trying to solve these MMIWG cold cases is no exception.
Trump announced she would be visiting Minnesota for the opening of the first Indian Affairs office dedicated to solving MMIWG cases.
Minnesota state representative Mary Kunesh-Podein, whose mother is an enrolled member of the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe, was highly critical of Trump's gesture.
"We, in Minnesota, had worked so hard for a genuine, community-led task force to address our missing and murdered Indigenous women."
"This sudden interest and visit by Ivanka Trump feels disingenuous and smacks of manipulated political showcasing."
Around 50 people protested Trump's visit on Monday.
Minnesota Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan, of the White Earth Band of Ojibwe, also had a point to make regarding President Trump's past behavior.
" Donald Trump made a career demonstrating and celebrating behavior that perpetuates violence against Native women and girls."
Folks on Twitter were also largely unimpressed by Ivanka's declaration.
Some cited her lack of qualification to investigate these cases.
Some were heavily skeptical of the timing of this sudden interest in Indigenous peoples of the United States.
While others were downright offended that these victims and their families were being used as a political tool, given the President's track record when dealing with Indigenous nations.
Others had suggestions for other ways Ivanka could help.
In addition to her seemingly random decision to take an interest in a longstanding problem the Indigenous community has been trying to bring attention to for decades, Trump also forgot to inform the people already working on these cold cases that she was going to intervene.
Those serving on the Task Force on Missing and Murdered American Indians and Alaska Natives had no idea that Trump was going to show up.
It would be wonderful if this sudden interest by Ivanka Trump lead to meaningful change in the way these cases are handled by law enforcement, and to closure for the families of those killed or missing.
But no one will be holding their breath waiting for one of Ivanka's projects to produce actual results.
@thetnholler/Bluesky
@wensilver/Bluesky