Photos of Ivanka Trump and German Chancellor Angela Merkel widely criticized
By Darla Guillen, Chron.com / Houston Chronicle Updated 1:33 pm, Monday, March 20, 2017
German Chancellor Angela Merkel's awkward meeting with President Donald Trump has led to intense scrutiny of their body language and facial expressions, but that wasn't the only deeply observed exchange.
Photos of first daughter Ivanka Trump sitting next to Merkel have gone viral, after several people on social media have questioned why Ivanka would be in a meeting with the powerful foreign leader. Twitter users have compared the backgrounds and professional qualifications of both women.
Accusations of nepotism have led to a criticism of Trump's daughter being present at numerous high-powered meetings with Merkel and other world principals. She also recently attended appointments with Prime Minister of Japan Shinzo Abe.
Of course, Ivanka's husband, Jared Kushner, is also active within the Trump administration. His title as the Senior Advisor to the President has also been the subject of contention with the public, since some critics see this as a conflict of interest.
Trump's meeting with Merkel was marked by a series of strange exchanges, including what looked like the President refusing to shake hands with the U.S. ally. White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer has since denied those claims.
Trump also said that they had wiretapping in common, which made for another memorable photo of Merkel looking over at Trump, seemingly astounded and amused.
Merkel has not commented on the reaction to her meeting with Trump.
Press Secretary Sean Spicer has suggested that, in regards to Trump’s lack of handshake with German Chancellor Angela Merkel, there was no refusal on the president’s part.
