Back in April 2025, Gisele Bündchen—long celebrated for her environmental advocacy and charitable efforts—faced sharp criticism after being spotted vacationing in Costa Rica with Ivanka Trump. The unexpected duo was joined by Karlie Kloss, Ivanka's sister-in-law through her husband Jared Kushner, stirring heated debate across social media platforms.
A controversial tropical reunion that challenged Gisele Bündchen's progressive image
At first glance, it appeared to be just another elite celebrity retreat. But for many fans, seeing Gisele Bündchen—widely regarded as a progressive voice in fashion and philanthropy—relaxing with a high-profile member of the Trump family felt like a betrayal of values.
Photos of the tropical meet-up triggered a wave of backlash online. “Oh, Gisele, I’m so disappointed in you,” one user wrote. “How I misjudged her. I thought she was one of the good ones.” Others were even harsher. “Gisele, wow, I didn’t know you support women not having rights. Unfollowed and canceled,” another person commented.
Some drew a connection between her ex-husband Tom Brady’s rumored political leanings and her presence at the gathering. “Tom’s ultra-right-wing political views definitely rubbed off on Gisele,” one user speculated, underscoring how Bündchen’s personal relationships continued to shape public perception even after her 2022 divorce.
Ivanka’s poetic captions couldn’t soften the public's criticism
Ivanka Trump tried to paint the trip in a spiritual light, sharing picturesque images of waterfalls and jungle landscapes with the caption, “Time slowed.” She called the retreat an opportunity to reconnect with “the Earth, with faith, and with one another.” But critics weren’t buying the serenity.
“They’re celebrating their big fat tax cuts for the wealthy,” one person commented. Others were more vicious: “Hopefully, they both got eaten by a shark,” to which another sarcastically replied, “Don’t worry. Sharks don’t eat plastic.”
The outrage was amplified by Gisele Bündchen’s long-standing record of charity work. Bündchen's supported causes ranging from hunger relief in Brazil to homelessness and women's empowerment through her Luz Foundation.
However, the optics of her trip with Ivanka Trump sparked skepticism about the sincerity behind her philanthropic efforts. Some critics accused her of using her activism to bolster her public image rather than effecting real change.
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