Washington, D.C. – A provocative post on X by user
@jamestate121, amplified by Occupy Democrats, has reignited scrutiny over Ivanka Trump’s business ties with China. The post, dated April 17, 2025, boldly states, “China should cancel all of Ivanka Trump’s patents,” highlighting long-standing criticism of the Trump family’s financial dealings abroad during Donald Trump’s presidency.
Ivanka Trump, the former president’s daughter, secured over 40 trademarks and patents in China between 2016 and 2019, covering products from clothing to voting machines. These approvals, which peaked during Trump’s first term, drew ethical concerns as they coincided with U.S.-China trade negotiations. In May 2018, for instance, China granted Ivanka five trademarks just days before Trump reversed sanctions on Chinese telecom giant ZTE—a move critics labeled as a potential quid pro quo. Although Ivanka shuttered her fashion brand in 2018 amid conflict-of-interest concerns, she retained ownership of her intellectual property, with her company applying for additional trademarks in China as late as 2020.
The X post comes at a time of heightened U.S.-China friction under Trump’s second administration. Since returning to office, Trump has proposed slashing foreign aid by 75% and cutting funding to international organizations like the UN and NATO, while maintaining a hardline stance against China through tariffs and trade restrictions. Critics argue that Ivanka’s patents represent a conflict of interest, especially given Trump’s aggressive policies toward Beijing. The suggestion that China “cancel” her patents appears to be a rhetorical jab, implying that Beijing could retaliate by targeting the Trump family’s business interests.
There’s no indication that China has acted on Ivanka’s patents as of April 17, 2025. However, the post underscores a broader debate about the intersection of the Trump family’s finances and U.S. foreign policy. On X, reactions are polarized—some users echo the post’s sentiment, with one writing, “China should hit back where it hurts,” while others defend Ivanka, arguing her business dealings are unrelated to her father’s presidency.
Experts note that canceling patents would be a drastic and unlikely move, as it could violate international intellectual property agreements. Still, the controversy highlights the delicate balance of personal profit and public office. As U.S.-China relations remain strained, the Trump family’s business ties continue to fuel accusations of hypocrisy, with critics questioning whether “America First” applies when personal interests are at stake.
