Russian official mysteriously deletes tweet picturing Ivanka standing in for her father at G20

The image triggered widespread outcry and condemnation

The image sparked widespread condemnation (Twitter)

A Russian official appears to have deleted an image that showed Ivanka Trump sitting in for her father at a G20 meeting of world leaders - a photograph that led people to accuse the US President of behaving like a dictator.

Svetlana Lukash, whose Twitter bio describes her as a “G20 sherpa” tweeted a series of images from the meetings in Hamburg. One of them read: “2nd day of #G20 Hamburg summit starts with Africa, Migration & Health. Ivanka accompanies Pres Trump.”

A follow-up tweet, that showed Ms Trump sitting next to British Prime Minister Theresa May and Chinese President Xi Jinping, said: “And replaces Pres Trump at the #G20 table as he leaves for bilateral meetings.”

The image sparked widespread outcry, with people condemning Mr Trump for having his daughter sit in for him, rather than a diplomat or Secretary of State Rex Tillerson.

Many said it was typical of someone who repeatedly blurred the lines between his official duties and his family.

“Why the hell is Ivanka Trump sitting in for daddy at G20 meetings?! What are her qualifications? Who voted for her?” said the writer Charles Blow.

Ms Lukash, whose official title is Deputy Chief of the Presidential Experts’ Directorate, appeared to have subsequently deleted the image. She did not immediately respond to inquiries.