Ivanka Trump opens up on grief, therapy, and feeling ‘robbed’ after mother’s sudden death
Ivanka Trump delivered an emotional and deeply personal account of loss and resilience, revealing that she sought professional help following a period marked by family tragedy and health scares.
Speaking on the Diary of a CEO podcast, the former White House adviser described how the sudden death of her mother, Ivana Trump, and her husband Jared Kushner’s cancer battle unfolded within weeks of each other.
“I had just left Washington. Our life was in flux. Jared was diagnosed with thyroid cancer for a second time and then my mother passed,” Ivanka said.
A period of loss and personal reflection
Ivana Trump died in July 2022 at the age of 73 after being found unresponsive in her New York City home. According to reports, her death came shortly after Kushner underwent a second surgery related to thyroid cancer.
Ivanka explained that the convergence of these events pushed her to pause and look inward.
“I’m really good at being tough, and I’m really good at compartmentalizing,” she said, adding that therapy became a way to ensure she was also taking care of herself.
She emphasized the importance of finding the right support, noting that professional guidance helped her process difficult emotions while continuing to move forward.
At the same time, she spoke candidly about grief, describing the loss of a parent as something that “hits differently,” especially when it comes unexpectedly. She added that the experience felt compounded by the years many families lost during the pandemic.
“Especially post-COVID, which kind of robbed so many of us of so many years,” she said.
Remembering Ivana and rebuilding through family
Throughout the conversation, Ivanka became visibly emotional while reflecting on her mother’s life and legacy. She described Ivana as “extraordinary,” recalling her energy, independence, and joy.
“She lived a good life,” Ivanka said, pausing as she wiped away tears. “She was very joyful.”
She also shared how her family has worked to preserve Ivana’s memory, particularly for her three children, who never had the chance to fully know their grandmother.
“We really keep her memory alive,” she said, explaining that her grandmother, Marie Zelníčková—known as “Babi”—now lives with them and shares stories about Ivana. “It’s a blessing to have her in our home.”
Ivanka noted that revisiting memories of her mother as an adult brought a different perspective, allowing her to reflect on both strengths and challenges with greater clarity.
Facing fear and choosing perspective
In the same discussion, Ivanka also addressed the moment she watched the attempted assassination of her father, Donald Trump, unfold in real time during a rally in Pennsylvania.
She described feeling “horrified” and protective of her children, but said she never believed the worst outcome would occur.
“I didn’t believe that the worst possible outcome had transpired, thank God,” she said.
Despite the traumatic nature of the event, Ivanka said she does not carry hatred toward those responsible, instead emphasizing forgiveness.
“There’s a lot of sickness, and I think that forgiveness is a difficult thing, but his living was a blessing,” she said.
After stepping back from political life in 2022, Ivanka has maintained a lower public profile, focusing on raising her children and building a quieter life in Florida.
Reflecting on the past few years, she summarized the lessons shaped by loss, fear, and uncertainty.
“You can’t take things for granted in this life,” Ivanka said. “I’ve learned that in numerous ways.”
