In a revealing glimpse into the dynamics of the Trump administration, a new book sheds light on the intense rivalry that existed between Melania Trump, the former First Lady, and her stepdaughter, Ivanka Trump, during Donald Trump’s presidency.
According to detailed accounts from insiders and close advisers, the two women were engaged in a silent battle for influence and media attention, which played out behind the scenes.
Stephanie Winston Wolkoff, a former adviser and friend to Melania Trump, in her memoir “Melania and Me,” delves into the complexities of Melania’s relationship with Ivanka. Besides the memoir, the book “American Woman: The Transformation of the Modern First Lady, from Hillary Clinton to Jill Biden,” by Katie Rogers, offers a sympathetic survey of the first ladies.
Wolkoff’s book details an attempt by Melania and her team to minimize Ivanka’s presence at key events, notably during the 2017 inauguration, in what Wolkoff describes as “Operation Block Ivanka.”
The operation was designed to strategically position Ivanka in photos and public appearances to reduce her profile. The memoir also highlights Ivanka’s efforts to take on roles traditionally reserved for the First Lady, including her plans to revamp the East Wing to serve the entire First Family, a move that Melania staunchly opposed.
The rivalry intensified when Ivanka, taking advantage of Melania’s delayed move to the White House, attempted to assume First Lady duties, which sparked a power struggle that lasted throughout Trump’s term. Melania, feeling undermined, was reportedly obsessed with her public perception and the press’s portrayal of her, frequently monitoring her media coverage. This preoccupation extended to her wardrobe choices, notably her “I don’t really care, do U?” jacket, which was interpreted as a veiled message to Ivanka amidst their battle for media attention.
The dynamics between Melania and Ivanka were not just about personal vendettas; they had significant implications for the functioning of the White House. The two women’s efforts to establish dominance included separately planned trips and public engagements that sometimes required intervention from senior staff, including the then Chief of Staff John Kelly. The underlying tension between Melania and Ivanka reflects the broader challenges of navigating family relationships in the context of national governance.
Aside from the personal rivalry, the book also touches on Melania’s efforts to secure her financial future, with regular meetings with lawyers to renegotiate her prenuptial agreement with Donald Trump. These meetings were not solely focused on her son Barron’s welfare, as previously speculated, but were part of a broader strategy to ensure her financial independence and security.
This narrative of internal conflict and competition within the Trump White House adds a new dimension to the public’s understanding of the Trump administration’s dynamics. The accounts of Melania and Ivanka’s rivalry, strategies for influence, and the impact on the administration’s public face reveal the complex interplay of personal relationships and political power.