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MPWIvanka Trump

Trump Spokesperson Says Ivanka Will ‘Take Over’ the Company If He Wins

Kristen Bellstrom
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Kristen Bellstrom
Kristen Bellstrom
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Kristen Bellstrom
By
Kristen Bellstrom
Kristen Bellstrom
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May 10, 2016, 1:50 PM ET
<> on July 30, 2015 in Ayr, Scotland.
<> on July 30, 2015 in Ayr, Scotland.Jeff J Mitchell — Getty Images

Megyn Kelly inadvertently broke some news on her show Monday night: Ivanka Trump may be leapfrogging her brothers to take over the Trump Organization, should her dad end up in the White House.

The revelation came in the midst of a fraught exchange between Kelly and Trump spokesperson Katrina Pierson over Trump’s misogynistic rhetoric.

“What about the word ‘bimbo’?” asked Kelly. There was an awkward silence before Pierson responded, insisting that the GOP presidential candidate is not sexist because he criticizes men as well as women. Kelly persisted, asking, “You don’t see that word is sexist at all?”

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Pierson ultimately gave a little ground, responding, “Even if it is…the point is, he doesn’t reserve his criticism for women.” She went on to say that Trump has supported women throughout his career, hiring and promoting them as executives in the Trump Organization. What’s more, said Pierson, “He has two sons but yet his daughter is going to be inheriting the company.”

Kelly jumped on that, declaring the revelation that Ivanka Trump would take over “news” and asking whether Trump’s sons are aware of the decision. Pierson insisted that Trump has “already mentioned that Ivanka is going to take over,” though the siblings will have “shared responsibilities.”

 

In a statement to Fortune, Trump spokesperson Hope Hicks did not comment on the possibility that Ivanka will supersede her brothers, saying only: “Mr. Trump has said many times he intends for his three children and his executives to run the company should he win the Presidency.”

Currently, Ivanka and her brothers Eric and Donald, Jr. are working together to guide the company while their dad is on the campaign trail. “Together they handle deals and development connected to the many projects in the pipeline, but each takes lead responsibility for certain properties,” according to a recent Wall Street Journal story on the siblings.

However, Pierson’s statement may not be a surprise to Trump watchers, many of whom have already gone on record saying that Ivanka is the sibling best suited to take the helm.

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Kristen Bellstrom
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