EXCLUSIVE – Ivanka Trump’s secret trip to Maui to give meals to families devastated by wildfires
Ivanka Trump made a secret trip to Maui a few weeks ago to distribute meals and essential supplies to residents still recovering from the devastating wildfires.
The former first daughter joined CityServe International on a humanitarian mission where they distributed 250,000 prepackaged meals to displaced families affected by the largest wildfire in U.S. history.
They visited a Lahaina church that serves as a food bank and met residents who are rebuilding their lives.
Dressed in a plain tank top and green cargo pants, Trump wore a name tag that read “Iva” as she handed out fresh produce grown locally in Maui.
Ivanka Trump made a secret trip to Maui a few weeks ago to distribute food and supplies to those displaced by the wildfires
During her visit, Ivanka Trump handed out fresh vegetables, delivered pre-packaged supplies and posed for photos.
“Her humble presence lifted spirits and reminded the people of Lahaina that they are not forgotten,” CityServe said in a statement.
“Amid the tears being shed, there are tangible signs of hope and love, and with the arrival of meals and supplies, our partners and team joined Ivanka in lifting boxes of supplies, comforting survivors and sharing meals to those who have lost everything. .’
There are approximately 6,000 displaced people staying in hotels in Maui, while another 1,100 are staying in Airbnb rentals.
Ivanka Trump and the group distributed food, water, local produce, gift cards and other necessary supplies to displaced families and individuals staying in hotels, local distribution centers and food pantries around Lahaina, according to CityServe.
The group also provides gas cards and air filters to residents, who are advised not to drink the water and stay away from fire-damaged areas.
Trump also used her connections to get other companies to donate goods to people in Maui, according to CityServe.
Next week, a 747 filled with $1 million worth of supplies will head toward Maui with e-bikes, electric scooters, electronics, toys, dry food, small appliances, ukuleles and several pallets of Jockey clothing – “all because of Ivanka’s connection,” the group said.
The forest fires are under control across the island, but damage remains on the 2,170 hectares that burned. The death toll stands at 97 and 66 people are still missing.
Ivanka Trump meets displaced people, during her trip to Maui with CityServe she helped distribute 250,00 pre-packaged meals
Ivanka Trump also visited a Lahaina church that serves as a food pantry
The Maui fire area remains limited to authorized personnel as officials clear potentially hazardous ash and other debris. There are an estimated 2,200 damaged or destroyed structures.
The cleanup can take months. The initial cost estimate is $5.5 billion.
Visitors had originally been asked to stay away so officials and residents could focus on cleanup efforts on the West Coast.
Tourism is a major driver of the economy in Hawaii and the forest fires on Maui saw state officials lower their 2023 economic growth forecast from 1.8% to 1.1%.
But to bring in the dollars needed, much of West Maui will reopen to tourists Oct. 8 under a new wildfire emergency proclamation signed last week by Hawaii Governor Josh Green.
Visitors are asked to stay away from Lahaina and the damaged east coast.
On that side of Maui, residents of Lahaina, Kula and surrounding areas are advised to use only bottled water or drinking water supplied by tanker trucks.
Ivanka Trump wore a name tag that read “Iva” as she handed out food
Ivanka Trump transports supplies for distribution
The former first daughter also posed for photos with residents
Charred remains of homes are visible after the Lahaina wildfire
Students will not be able to return to class until mid-October. About 3,000 students from Lahaina’s four public schools have been displaced by the fires.
Ivanka Trump has been working with CityServe for almost four years.
She worked with them during the COVID pandemic to provide food to those in need.
She also helped the group send 1 million meals to Ukrainians and visited Poland with them to help refugees.
The former first daughter has left politics — while she supports Donald Trump’s bid for a second term in the White House, she is not campaigning for him — and has focused on charity work and raising her three children with husband Jared Kushner.
The Kushner/Trump clan moved to Florida after leaving Washington DC, where Jared and Ivanka worked as advisors in President Trump’s administration.