You can 'enjoy coffee with Ivanka Trump' for a hefty price tag

Ivanka Trump crosses the lobby at Trump Tower.
(Image credit: Spencer Platt/Getty Images)

The president-elect's son, Eric Trump, is auctioning off an opportunity to "enjoy coffee with Ivanka Trump in NYC or D.C.," with the proceeds going to his foundation, which benefits St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. But some observers and lawyers have raised concerns that the auction essentially allows people to earn access to the Trump administration in exchange for money, The New York Times reports.

"This is just wrong," said Fred Wertheimer, the president of Democracy 21, a nonprofit that tries to curb special interests' influences. "The president's family should not be out raising money for whatever cause, in exchange for a potential influence buyer who wants to get his views to the president." The concerns are magnified due to Ivanka Trump's impending role in the White House.

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Jeva Lange

Jeva Lange was the executive editor at TheWeek.com. She formerly served as The Week's deputy editor and culture critic. She is also a contributor to Screen Slate, and her writing has appeared in The New York Daily News, The Awl, Vice, and Gothamist, among other publications. Jeva lives in New York City. Follow her on Twitter.