A recent book has offered a deeper look into the tense relationship that existed between former First Lady Melania Trump and her stepdaughter, Ivanka Trump, during Donald Trump’s presidency.
Insiders and close advisers have given detailed accounts of the silent power struggle between the two women, a contest for influence and media spotlight that unfolded behind closed doors.
Stephanie Winston Wolkoff, a former friend and adviser to Melania Trump, explores this complex relationship in her memoir “Melania and Me.” Another book, “American Woman: The Transformation of the Modern First Lady, from Hillary Clinton to Jill Biden,” by Katie Rogers, provides a comprehensive review of recent first ladies.
Wolkoff’s memoir unveils an effort by Melania and her staff to diminish Ivanka’s visibility at significant events, particularly the 2017 inauguration. This strategy, referred to as “Operation Block Ivanka,” was aimed at lowering Ivanka’s profile in photographs and public appearances.
The memoir further highlights Ivanka’s attempts to assume roles typically held by the First Lady, such as her plan to renovate the East Wing to accommodate the entire First Family. This proposal was met with strong resistance from Melania.
The rivalry between the two women escalated when Ivanka, capitalizing on Melania’s postponed move to the White House, tried to take on First Lady responsibilities. This sparked a tug-of-war for power that persisted throughout Trump’s presidency. Melania, feeling undermined, reportedly focused heavily on her public image and media portrayal, often scrutinizing her press coverage, even down to her fashion choices.
The struggle between Melania and Ivanka was more than a personal feud; it had substantial impacts on the functioning of the White House. Their attempts to assert dominance led to separately organized trips and public engagements, sometimes necessitating intervention from senior staff, including then Chief of Staff John Kelly. The tension between the two women underscores the broader difficulties experienced when managing familial relationships within the context of national governance.
Additionally, the book discusses Melania’s efforts to ensure her financial future, including frequent meetings with attorneys to renegotiate her prenuptial agreement with Donald Trump. Contrary to prior speculations, these meetings were not solely about the welfare of her son Barron but were part of a larger strategy to secure her financial independence and stability.
This depiction of internal strife and competition in the Trump White House offers a new perspective on the administration’s internal workings. The accounts of the rivalry between Melania and Ivanka, their tactics for gaining influence, and the resulting impact on the administration’s public image provide a complex picture of the interplay between personal relationships and political power.
