Ivanka Trump, daughter of former President Donald Trump, was given a prominent front-row seat during Chinese President Xi Jinping’s remarks on his state visit to Washington. This seating choice drew attention as it placed her closer to the podium than several high-ranking members of the Trump administration, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. Both Trump and Xi addressed the audience at the White House on Thursday, emphasizing their close relationship and expressing a desire for greater cooperation on issues like artificial intelligence. Ivanka sat with her 15-year-old daughter, Arabella, as well as Vice President JD Vance and Second Lady Usha Vance. Arabella Trump has a prior connection to Xi Jinping. In 2017, when Xi visited the U.S., the then-six-year-old Arabella performed a song in Mandarin for the Chinese leader at Mar-a-Lago. A video of her performance was later shown during Trump’s visit to Beijing that same year. This connection has added a layer of public interest to Ivanka’s presence at the event. Ivanka Trump, now a private citizen, held an official role in her father’s administration during his first term, serving as an unpaid adviser focused on economic development and education. However, her tenure was not without controversy. In 2019, the Chinese government approved multiple trademarks for companies associated with Ivanka’s brand, raising concerns about potential conflicts of interest. She had previously announced plans to close her brand to focus on government work, but the approvals occurred shortly after that decision. Despite her stated desire to leave politics behind after her father left office in 2021, Ivanka has remained visible at high-profile events with him, including a recent state dinner for King Charles III. Meanwhile, her husband, Jared Kushner, continues to play an active role in the administration, working as a diplomatic envoy on issues related to Ukraine and Iran. The couple recently announced plans for a large real estate project in Albania, which has sparked protests in the country’s capital. The seating arrangement during the state visit sparked online criticism, even from conservative figures. Greta Van Susteren, a host on NewsMax, questioned who decided the seating, noting that Ivanka was seated closer to the podium than several Cabinet officials. Journalist Aaron Rupar also raised concerns about the placement of Ivanka, a private citizen, near high-ranking officials. The White House has not yet responded to requests for comment on the matter.