Image by Getty Images

By Nathan Guttman February 3, 2017

Jared Kushner and Ivanka Trump may have a new role in Donald Trump’s White House – a counterweight to Christian conservatives trying to sway the president’s agenda to the right.

Politico reports that the first daughter and son-in-law led the charge to scuttle a proposed executive order rolling back the Obama administration’s rules on LGBTQ rights, which protect employees from LGBTQ discrimination while working for federal contractors. The couple was the driving force behind Trump’s decision to ignore the proposed executive order draft and to issue a statement pledging adherence to Obama’s 2014 policy.

The debate over Trump’s LGBT policy is shaping into a battle between the Christian conservative forces, including the Family Research Council, and the young Jewish couple known for their support of LGBT rights.

Forwarding the News

Thoughtful, balanced reporting from the Forward and around the web, bringing you updated news and analysis each day.

Terms(Required)

I agree to the Forward's Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

Email(Required)

“There are some in Trump’s family that have some views on these things,” a source close to the discussions told Politico. “That’s where the decision is ultimately being made.”

At the end of the day, Kushner and Trump got their way on Obama’s 2014 order, but according to the report, religious conservatives are still pushing the White House on other aspects of LGBTQ policy, such as broadening religious exemptions that would shield providers of health care or adoption services who don’t want to serve gay or transgender people.

Contact Nathan Guttman at [email protected]

A message from our CEO & publisher Rachel Fishman Feddersen

I hope you appreciated this article. Before you go, I’d like to ask you to please support the Forward’s award-winning, nonprofit journalism during this critical time.

The coming year promises to be filled with more complex and historic developments. We are entering an era where independent, fact-based Jewish journalism will be more important than ever. We need to be ready for whatever 2025 will bring, and with your help, we can be.

We’ve set a goal to raise $260,000 by December 31. That’s an ambitious goal, but one that will give us the resources we need to invest in the high quality news, opinion, analysis and cultural coverage that isn’t available anywhere else.

If you feel inspired to make an impact, now is the time to give something back. Join us as a member at your most generous level.

—  Rachel Fishman Feddersen, Publisher and CEO

With your support, we’ll be ready for whatever 2025 brings.

$36 $500

$120 $180 Other amount