Posted Friday, October 26, 2018 6:02 pm

MOREHEAD, Ky. (KT) – Ivanka Trump came away “illuminated’’ with what’s happening in eastern Kentucky after a Friday tour of workforce development programs.



She called it a “inspiring,’’ giving plenty of credit to Gov. Matt Bevin, who she said was a “champion of workforce development.” Bevin escorted Trump and her team to three different sites beginning early Friday morning and finishing in the afternoon at the Morehead State University Space Science Center.



Trump, the daughter of President Donald Trump and an adviser to the White House, was particularly wowed on the tour of Morehead’s cutting-edge aerospace program, one of only five in the country.



“Ending my day here has been particularly special because, A, I’m obsessed with space. The whole administration loves space. We’re behind space exploration in a very major way.”



Earlier on Friday she stopped at an advanced manufacturing training center in Paintsville and the Big Sandy Community and Technical College in Prestonsburg before coming to Morehead.



“This has been an illuminating day to say the least,” she said. “We’ve traveled across eastern Kentucky and been awed by the unbelievable beauty of the state but also deeply inspired by the stories I’ve heard.”



Trump praised the workforce development sites that exists in eastern Kentucky and throughout the country that have been encouraged because of deregulation and tax cuts.



“A climate of optimism has taken hold in our country because of the President’s leadership and working with member of Congress,” she said. “It’s been amazing to see so many different examples of type of growth that can happen when an economy is strong.”



Eastern Kentucky has been an example of that optimism despite still having some of the highest unemployment rates in the state. Workforces on the horizon have given parts of eastern Kentucky hope for the future.



Northeastern Kentucky has been infused with excitement with Braidy Industries and the aluminum rolling mill planned to open in 2020. Braidy Industries CEO Craig Bouchard and his daughter, Braidy, were among the guests at the aerospace center.



“This is Trump Country and having the President’s daughter Ivanka, who is one of the classiest and best human beings ever, come here to Morehead, what an honor,” Bouchard said. “It’s just an indication of how great this area is that we would attract someone like Ivanka Trump here.”



Bevin pointed out Bouchard and his daughter to Trump, who provided Braidy with a special memory after the ceremony.



“Braidy got a selfie and that’s all that counts,” he said. “I hope my daughter can grow up and be a little bit like Ivanka.”



Trump said she wants to come back to Kentucky when she has more time to spend her and enjoy its beauty.



“This is a wonderful and hospitable climate for business,” Trump said.