As President Donald Trump headed to China, he had a new lady by his side in the form of his daughter-in-law, Lara Trump.
The 43-year-old wife of Eric Trump has stepped firmly into the spotlight over the past few days as she joined Donald Trump in China, fueling chatter that she has become the family’s newest power player on the world stage.
Lara was seen exiting Air Force One alongside the 79-year-old president as they landed in Beijing with Chinese President Xi Jinping on Wednesday morning, May 13. She then joined her father-in-law for a welcome ceremony on Thursday, May 14. The mom-of-two donned a long white structured dress covered in black polka dots, paired with chunky black sunglasses as she walked alongside Trump and Xi during their visit to Beijing’s historic Temple of Heaven.
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She had her blonde locks down and flowing around her shoulders in a soft beachy wave, and hid her jet lag with a soft glam look featuring bronzed cheekbones and a nude lip.
However, Lara’s efforts appeared to backfire after pictures of her landing in Beijing began circulating on the internet, prompting users to compare her to the president’s daughter, Ivanka Trump, 44.
Lara Trump was compared to Ivanka Trump -Credit:Getty Images
According to one X user, “When Lara Trump arrived In China instead of Melania, the Chinese people asked: ‘Wasn’t Tiffany available?’ ‘Is Lara like the Temu Ivanka?’ ‘Is she coming here to buy new body parts?’ ‘Is this her First Communion?’ ‘Can’t she just stay on the plane?'”
A second user pointed out, “And she is wearing white, the Chinese color of mourning. Bad optics,” with another saying, “She probably has to do his hair and make up,” referring to President Trump.
With a fourth fuming, “She should be home with her kids. They have no business there. Since when does the whole start traveling with the president? Only the most important ppl would travel with them. This looks more a business.”
Ivanka Trump didn’t attend the trip to China -Credit:Getty
“Lara Trump, the secret weapon of Trump. If he doesn’t get his way, he’ll threaten the Chinese with her singing,” a fifth joked, nodding to the TV star’s singing career.
Someone else noticed, “So Trump brought everything and everyone and the kitchen sink on his plane to China, but Mel didn’t come with him? How is MAGA going to spin that one?”
Lara Trump has been posting several snaps and selfies from her time in China -Credit:@LaraLeaTrump/X
The duo has also been joined by prominent business figures, including Elon Musk, Tim Cook, Larry Fink and Stephen Schwarzman, however, Trump’s wife, Melania wasnt invited.
Trump is hoping the visit will lead to a series of trade deals and purchase agreements with Beijing. “I am very much looking forward to my trip to China, an amazing Country, with a Leader, President Xi, respected by all,” Trump wrote on Truth Social.
He concluded, “Great things will happen for both Countries!” Discussions at the summit are likely to focus on trade, artificial intelligence, export controls, Taiwan and the war in Iran.
What activities did Lara Trump and Donald Trump do during their China visit?
Lara arrived in China with the president on May 13 and was by his side as he met with Xi Jinping. They attended an arrival ceremony with Xi at the Great Hall of the People, before the two leaders held bilateral talks. A state banquet was held later at the same venue.
On Thursday morning, Lara walked alongside Trump and Xi during their visit to Beijing’s historic Temple of Heaven. On Friday, Trump will visit Zhongnanhai, a rarefied compound where China’s leaders live and work.
The visit will feature a “friendship photo” and handshake with Xi. After another bilateral meeting with Xi and a working lunch, Trump will return to the airport for a departure ceremony before heading back to the US.
What is the relationship between Lara Trump and Ivanka Trump?
Lara, married to Eric Trump, has described her relationship with sister-in-law Ivanka Trump as close but noted she often offers the most “unsolicited advice” in the family. While Lara has joked about this dynamic and praised Ivanka as the best gift-giver, she has also denied rumors of any serious tension.