Photo by JKN on Unsplash

IVANKA’S SWEATSHOP: A COMEDY SKETCH

BY Debbie L. Miller

05/25/2024

It’s 2019. IVANKA TRUMP stands in front of sewing machines in a dingy, dimly lit clothing factory. Several South Asian women toil at machines.

IVANKA

(in breathy, measured words)

I’m here in Bangladesh at my premier apparel manufacturing facility. Today, we’re making crop tops that bear the Ivanka label.

(holds up a crop top)

This lovely item sells for $79.99 at Nordstrom’s.

(walks down a row of sewing machines)

As I say in my book, Women Who Work, women are the original multitaskers. As a working Mom, I know what it’s like to juggle work and family responsibilities. I love my kids, but because I want to empower other women, I outsource my mothering to nannies.

IVANKA picks up one of her kids and hands her off to a nanny, then wipes her hands with Purell.

WORKER #1

Mrs. Ivanka, my children live 300 kilometers away. I have not seen them in two years.

IVANKA

Then you definitely need a nanny, or you can take advantage of our free onsite childcare program.

[The camera shows a group of children working at sewing machines.]

IVANKA

I love helping women achieve their goals. As a business owner, mother, and adviser to the President, I know first-hand what it takes to get the job done, as I say in my book, Women Who Work. You need a large skill set to manage a household, hire maids, choose the right cooks, and vet nannies. Isn’t that right, Ladies? But, it’s not all work. Sometimes, you just need to take a break and pamper yourself.

[IVANKA walks over to a chair, sits down, and a woman injects Botox into her forehead and a child buffs her nails.]

IVANKA

It’s about empowering women and giving them meaningful work.

She hands a mop and bucket to one of the women.

IVANKA

As I say in my book, Women Who Work, it’s about positioning yourself to reach your highest potential.