Give him a chance

Give Donald Trump a chance, incoming first daughter Ivanka has asked fellow Americans as her father became the president of a sharply divided country.

Yet in an interview with ABC News on Friday, aired on the eve of the inauguration, the businesswoman and mother of three also admitted to urging her father to cut out some of his more controversial tweets.

"My father is an incredible unifier. For every critic, I would say give him time. Let him come into office. Let him prove you wrong," the 35-year-old told ABC as she prepares to move to Washington.

Asked what she would say to tens of thousands of protesters expected to march across the United States Saturday who are worried that the incoming Republican administration will roll back rights, she replied: "I say, give my father a chance."

Ivanka, whose husband has been appointed a White House advisor, is stepping down from both the family business and from running her fashion label to avoid conflict of interest accusations.

she also sought to dispel press speculation that she will become de facto first lady as her stepmother Melania stays in New York until the Trumps' 10-year-old son, Barron, has at least finished the school year.

"There is one first lady and Melania will be an incredible first lady. I'm proud of her. She is intelligent, warm, caring and a remarkable person," Ivanka told ABC.

"My focus is moving to Washington, travelling around the country and listening and getting great feedback on how I can add positive value," she told ABC.

Asked whether she will call her father Mr President, Ivanka replied: "He is always Dad."