Ivanka Trump made a surprise visit to Maui a few weeks ago after wildfires ravaged the tropical paradise. It seemed an odd choice, since there was no reason for her to actually travel there.

Imagine being in the middle of trying to recover and clean up from the devastation that was seen from Lahaina to Upper Kula, and then having to deal with a whole entourage of security, paparazzi, and aides accompanying the former First Daughter.

Ivanka made sure, however, that she was photographed with the rest of CityServe International, handing out food and supplies. It was reminiscent of Paul Ryan at the soup kitchen in 2012 — clearly meant to be seen by fans. She might as well have been modeling another can of Goya brand black beans.

CityServe, a faith-based network that coordinates with local churches, issued a statement with high praise for Ivanka:

“Her humble presence lifted spirits and reminded the people of Lahaina that they are not forgotten. Amidst the tears being shed are tangible signs of hope and love, and with the arrival of meals and supplies, our partners and team alongside Ivanka, were hefting boxes of supplies, consoling survivors, and passing out meals to those who’ve lost everything.”

The charity, however, earned only a 65 percent rating on Charity Navigator, a site that evaluates non-profit and for-profit philanthropic organizations. For effectiveness, CityServe scores very well; for accountability (as in, where the money goes), not so much.

Ivanka Trump arrived in Maui to help with relief efforts. Problem solved. pic.twitter.com/BrECunKP7v

— Ron Filipkowski (@RonFilipkowski) September 18, 2023

Ivanka will continue to build and brand herself as a philanthropist, as she plans to have a Boeing 747 full of scooters, toys, ukuleles, and Jockey brand clothes delivered to Maui, “all because of Ivanka’s connections,” the charity said.

All in all, it seems as though a high-profile visit from someone like Ivanka, who could just as easily have simply sent the money and food and supplies rather than burden the city with an unnecessary presence, comes out as basically a wash.

But there’s no way Ivanka, who swore she was leaving the limelight to pay more attention to her family, can stay away from the cameras for too long. Must be those Trump genetics her dad is always talking about.