Ivanka Trump shocked her supporters when she broke rank with her father to praise Greta Thunberg. According to the New York Times, she was asked about the climate activist’s warning to world leaders at the World Economic Forum at Davos, and told reporters she believed in the “power of optimism”. In the past, US President Donald Trump has mocked Ms Thunberg for having “anger management issues”.
When asked, Ms Trump said: ”I’m not going to criticise anyone who’s bringing their energy and voice.
“That’s not my style. I think she’s elevated awareness and that’s a positive thing.”
While the president has been outspoken in his belief that climate change is a “hoax”, Ivanka has not thus far used her platform to speak on global warming in any major capacity.
The comments came after the 17-year-old called upon global leaders at the summit to act on climate change.
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Michael Petty tweeted: “She talks in circles covering both sides. Ultimately, as usual, she doesn’t have a clue as to what she’s talking about.”
Paulo wrote: “Holy freaking defiant First Daughter.”
Silas Holler wasn’t impressed: “Why would she do that? It’s a complete hoax in order to con people into giving up their liberty and freedoms.”
Another Twitter user said: “I used actually think highly of Ivanka. Now, though, she’s just become Princess Spin-A-Lot.”
Mr Trump mocked the teenage climate activist again but did not mention her by name in a speech Tuesday.
Nonetheless, he implied she was a “prophet of doom” — with her reportedly in the audience.
Both the President and 17-year-old Thunberg, made speeches at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland.
Each year, a group of business and political leaders gathers there to discuss the world’s major issues.
Climate change was among those issues this year, where Thunberg and Trump gave what The Washington Post described as “a head-on collision of world views”.