Ivanka Trump pitches Goya Foods products on Twitter

by Tal Axelrod - 07/14/20 11:51 PM ET

Ivanka Trump took to Twitter on Tuesday evening to push products from Goya Foods, with critics quickly raising concerns that she was using her government position to boost a business.

Trump, who serves as a senior adviser to her father, President Trump, in the White House, weighed in on the growing controversy over the food company, tweeting, “If it’s Goya, it has to be good,” and repeating the company’s slogan in Spanish.

If it’s Goya, it has to be good.
Si es Goya, tiene que ser bueno. pic.twitter.com/9tjVrfmo9z

— Ivanka Trump (@IvankaTrump) July 15, 2020

The tweet comes as Goya faces a flood of criticism after its CEO praised President Trump at a White House event last week, sparking calls for a boycott.

Speculation swirled that the White House adviser may have violated an ethics law that states, “An employee shall not use or permit the use of his Government position or title or any authority associated with his public office to endorse any product, service or enterprise.”

“You’re about to get dinged for a violation of ethics rules that apply to you as a White House staffer,” tweeted GOP operative Liz Mair.

You’re about to get dinged for a violation of ethics rules that apply to you as a White House staffer. https://t.co/jizoiS8Nja

— Liz Mair (@LizMair) July 15, 2020

A spokesperson for the White House pushed back at the criticism.

“Only the media and the cancel culture movement would criticize Ivanka for showing her personal support for a company that has been unfairly mocked, boycotted and ridiculed for supporting this administration — one that has consistently fought for and delivered for the Hispanic community,” spokeswoman Carolina Hurley said in a statement. “Ivanka is proud of this strong, Hispanic-owned business with deep roots in the U.S. and has every right to express her personal support.”

Several White House staffers have drawn scrutiny with their remarks during their time in the administration, with several pushing the limits of the Hatch Act, which bars federal officials from using their positions to boost support for a political candidate. However, none have faced significant consequences.

Trump was assailed with criticism over the tweet online, with Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) calling the White House adviser corrupt in a tweet in Spanish and others mocking the post.