Melania Trump and Ivanka Trump have long had a complicated relationship, but tensions between the former first lady and her stepdaughter have reportedly escalated in recent years, insiders say. The friction, which dates back to Donald Trump's early days in politics, became particularly evident during his presidency when both women vied for influence within the White House.
The discord, described by sources as a long-standing power struggle, was exacerbated when Ivanka, acting as a senior advisor to her father, attempted to reframe the traditional role of the first lady. Ivanka reportedly proposed changing the Office of the First Lady to the Office of the First Family, a move that insiders claim angered Melania.
Former White House Chief of Staff John Kelly was even drawn into the dispute in 2018, mediating between Melania's and Ivanka's offices as their competing spheres of influence clashed. "Ivanka will always be a thorn in (Melania's) side," a source said at the time.
The tension was evident again during Trump's second inauguration in January, where viewers noticed that Melania and Ivanka, despite standing next to each other, did not interact. Ivanka, who has publicly distanced herself from her father's political career, spoke in a recent podcast interview about her shifting priorities, stating, "I'm most looking forward to just being able to show up for him as a daughter and be there for (Trump), to take his mind off things." She did not mention Melania in her remarks.
The strained relationship between the two women is reportedly not limited to politics but extends to their personal lives. Sources say Melania has referred to Ivanka as "the princess," a moniker that highlights her perception of her stepdaughter's privileged position in the Trump family. Meanwhile, Ivanka's social media presence, which showcases her personal and professional successes, is said to irritate Melania, who finds it "unprofessional," according to one source.
Despite Ivanka's decision to step away from politics, insiders suggest that Melania will still have to deal with her at high-profile family events. "(Melania) is going to be irritated because Ivanka is going to just show up at state dinners and stuff. That's going to be the new battle," an insider said.
Melania has largely remained out of the political spotlight but is preparing to make a rare public move with a $40 million documentary deal with Prime Video. The project will include a feature-length documentary and a two-to-three-episode follow-up series, with Melania serving as an executive producer.
Ivanka, who was actively involved in the Trump administration, has signaled her reluctance to return to politics, despite her father's bid for a third term. "I love policy and impact. I hate politics," she said. "There is a darkness to that world that I don't really want to welcome into mine."
Throughout Trump's presidency, Melania took a more private approach, often staying in New York while her son Barron completed school, rather than residing full-time at the White House. During that period, Ivanka took on many traditional first lady responsibilities, further fueling tensions.
As Trump's political career continues, sources suggest that Melania and Ivanka's interactions will remain limited but not avoidable. One insider noted that there is an ongoing "sense of competition" between the two, particularly as Melania works to solidify her own identity within the Trump brand.
