Perhaps the two most important women in former president Donald Trump’s life are his wife, Melania Trump, and his daughter, Ivanka Trump. However, sources are claiming that the two actually can’t stand one another, with Melania feeling that her First Lady title was threatened by her step-daughter. Keep reading for all the details.
Melania And Ivanka Butt Heads Over First Lady Title
While Melania was one of the less-involved First Ladies that America has seen, that apparently did not mean she wasn't proud of the title. According to an insider, though Melania may have made it seem like she didn't care, "she was privately obsessed with any mention of herself in the media. It was a role she felt was rightfully hers—and she wasn't going to see Ivanka take it from her!"
However, according to this source, Melania not only felt threatened, but was a bit afraid as well. "She avoided [Ivanka's] East Wing office for the entire presidency for fear she'd run into Ivanka," the source continued.
This was reportedly an issue throughout all of Trump's presidency. Melania was annoyed by Ivanka's presence "in the Oval Office for important discussions," as it prompted the press to talk about her "as if she was first lady," the source explained.
Melania's feelings about the situation weren't unguided, though. According to Katie Rogers, author of American Woman: The Transformation of the Modern First Lady, from Hilary Clinton to Jill Biden, Ivanka wanted some of that first lady power. When Melania didn't immediately move into the White House when Trump was elected in order to stay with their son, Barron, in New York, Ivanka wanted to turn Melania's office into an area "geared toward serving the entire First Family, not just the First Lady."
And Donald Trump supported this idea. "She was aware that her husband had suggested that his eldest daughter would be helping to share the responsibilities of being First Lady," Rogers continued. "And this was not a development that pleased her."
Melania And Ivanka Both Take A Step Back This Time Around
However, as much as they disagreed throughout Donald Trump's presidency, they both seem to be in agreement now, as he runs for reelection this year. Ivanka made it clear when her father first announced that he would be running again that she was not planning on being as involved as she was when he was last the president.
"I love my father very much," she said in a statement. "This time around, I am choosing to prioritize my young children and the private life we are creating as a family. I do not plan to be involved in politics. While I will always love and support my father, going forward I will do so outside the political arena."
This sentiment also appears to be that of Melania's, as she has barely been seen at any of Donald Trump's campaign events over the past year. Though Donald Trump has assured his supporters that he and Melania were as strong as ever and that Melania would be joining him on the campaign trail soon enough, no actions from Melania suggest that's the truth.
