First daughter Ivanka Trump made an appearance at Thursday night’s Congressional Baseball Game, which President Trump planned to skip due to security challenges.
Ivanka was spotted walking on the field and mingling with lawmakers from both parties, according to reporters in attendance at Nationals Park in Washington.
“It’s great to be out here to support everyone who came,” she told The Hill.
White House press secretary Sean Spicer had told reporters on Wednesday that the president did not plan to attend the game this year due to security hurdles.
{mosads}“While the president would like to attend the game and show his support for all of these brave public servants, he has been advised that there is not enough time to follow Secret Service protocols,” Spicer said.
Trump reportedly recorded a video message for the game Thursday night, where Republican and Democratic teams were set to take to the field. Ticket proceeds go to charity.
Lawmakers were stressing unity ahead of the annual game Thursday, which was being held a day after a gunman opened fire at a GOP baseball practice, injuring five people, including two critically.
House Majority Whip Steve Scalise (R-La.) remained in critical condition on Thursday evening after surgery. During a statement delivered at the White House on Wednesday, Trump called on the nation to come together in the wake of the “terrible” attack.
“We may have our differences, but we do well in times like these to remember everyone who serves in our nation’s capital is here because, above all, they love our country,” Trump said.