Jared Kushner and Ivanka Trump would seem to have everything it takes to be a successful Washington couple: high-tier White House access, political clout, and an abundance of money. But on Monday Vanity Fair reported the couple feel like DC “punctures their self-esteem on a daily basis.” Roll your eyes all you want, we can see what they mean—from workout classes to neighborhood parking, this town has done its best to make them feel unwanted.
- Before arriving, Kushner bragged about being pleased that just 4 percent of District residents voted for Donald Trump. For many residents upset about the election, it seemed like he was basking in their unhappiness.
- Nevertheless, some did their best to treat their arrival like any other celebrity touchdown: The term Javanka started appearing, a cutesy portmanteau that arguably masked the very serious intentions of Kushner and Trump.
- When the couple moved into a $5.5 million six-bedroom home in Kalorama, neighbors were soon irritated with Secret Service monopolizing parking, and the problems continue.
- In February, Trump took a Solidcore class under an alias, prompting the chain’s founder Anne Mahlum to reach out for a meeting (and post about it publicly on Facebook). Locals familiar with Solidcore were furious, and some called to boycott the business entirely.
- This.
- Despite the potential market for Ivanka Trump’s brand in DC—young, professional women—DC residents enthusiastically joined the “#GrabYourWallet” backlash against Nordstrom and other retailers who sold her stuff. Even Taylor Gourmet founder Casey Patten stepped in it when he attended a meeting at the White House.
- You can’t even comp them a meal! When RPM Italian offered to tear up Ivanka and Jared’s check one evening (they declined the offer), it was huge news.
Rosa is a senior editor at Bitch Magazine. She’s written for Washingtonian and Smithsonian magazine.
