Scrutiny Over Ivanka Trump’s Tweet Defending Goya Brand

WASHINGTON, KOMPAS.com — On Wednesday, Ivanka Trump took to Twitter to post a photo of herself holding up a can of Goya beans.

President Donald Trump’s daughter used her social media platform to declare her support for the Hispanic-owned business that has come under fire in recent days.

Ivanka Trump’s move has been scrutinized by government watchdogs for violating ethics rules.

In the United States, government officials are forbidden from using their public office to promote specific products or groups.

Thus, President Donald Trump’s senior adviser is seen as breaking such rules.

Government watchdogs further expressed their concern over Ivanka Trump’s latest action and how the president and his team often blur the line between politics and governing.

In 2017, Kellyanne Conway was involved in a similar ethic violation incident and although she should have been disciplined, the White House chose not to.

It is unknown whether the White House will proceed in disciplining Ivanka Trump’s tweet defending the Goya brand.

White House chief of staff Mark Meadows told reporters accompanying the president to Atlanta on Wednesday that he doubted Ivanka Trump would face any repercussions.

Goya became the target of a consumer boycott after CEO Robert Unanue praised the president at a Hispanic event at the White House last Thursday.

Trump tweeted the next day about his “love” for Goya, and his daughter followed up late Tuesday by tweeting the photo of herself holding a can of Goya black beans.

The caption read, “If it's Goya, it has to be good,” in English and Spanish.

Almost immediately, government watchdogs and social media commentators accused Ivanka Trump of violating ethics rules — an issue that was not addressed in a White House response statement that blamed the news media and the culture of boycotting certain views.

“Only the media and the cancel culture movement would criticize Ivanka for showing her personal support for a company that has been unfairly mocked, boycotted and ridiculed for supporting this administration — one that has consistently fought for and delivered for the Hispanic community," White House spokesperson Carolina Hurley said in an emailed statement.

“Ivanka is proud of this strong, Hispanic-owned business with deep roots in the U.S. and has every right to express her personal support,” Hurley said.