CES 2020 Faces Backlash Over Ivanka Trump Keynote Selection
CES organizers face intense criticism for selecting Ivanka Trump as a keynote speaker, with critics arguing the choice insults actual women in tech. The controversy sparks a #BoycottCES movement despite the conference's stated goal of increasing female representation.
Ivanka Trump speaks at CES 2020 during a keynote discussion titled "The Path to the Future of Work," but her selection sparks significant backlash. Critics launch a #BoycottCES hashtag and argue that Trump, a presidential advisor, lacks the technical background required to represent women in the technology industry.
The Consumer Technology Association previously faces criticism for excluding female speakers from the 2016 and 2017 events, making this choice particularly frustrating for industry professionals. Forbes contributor Carolina Milanesi states that the decision highlights everything wrong for women in tech, noting that many female entrepreneurs possess more relevant expertise than Trump.
Despite the public outrage, CTA CEO Gary Shapiro defends the decision and shares the stage with Trump during the presentation. Shapiro tells BBC that he does not regret the invitation because Trump offers unique insight into how the national government collaborates with the private sector on job creation.