Advertisement

Melania and Ivanka Trump aren't friends, says new book

Photo credit: Mark Wilson
Photo credit: Mark Wilson

From Harper's BAZAAR

Ivanka and Melania Trump have a strained relationship, according to a new book written by a former White House staffer. Melania & Me, which will be published on 1 September, was written by Stephanie Winston Wolkoff, a former friend and employee.

The book, obtained by the Guardian, delves into the dynamic between Ivanka and Melania, claiming that the former could have been behind the 2016 speech delivered by Melania that was said to have been plagiarised from Michelle Obama.

Although an aide took responsibility for the maligned speech, Wolkoff said that it was in fact written by former Trump deputy campaign chief Rick Gates. “If Ivanka controlled Rick, and Rick had allegedly written Melania’s convention speech, did that mean Ivanka was behind that major faux pas/sabotage?” writes Wolkoff.

The book highlights other instances in which Ivanka tried to undermine her stepmother, including interference over Melania's choice of new chief of staff. The incident led to the First Lady to describe her stepdaughter and her allies as “snakes”.

Wolkoff also recalls Melania's anger at a leaked White House screening of Finding Dory, hosted by Ivanka, as protests raged over Donald Trump's travel ban against some Muslim-majority countries.

"Ivanka’s fingerprints were all over it,” Wolkoff writes, adding Melania sent furious text messages asking who had given Ivanka permission to host the screening in her residence.

“This is my home,” Wolkoff says the first lady told her. “Do they come walking into my apartment in New York whenever they want? No!”

New York events planner Wolkoff first met Melania in 2003 when the two became friends. She went onto work for the First Lady unpaid at the White House, writing speeches and organising events.

In need of some at-home inspiration? Sign up to our free weekly newsletter for skincare and self-care, the latest cultural hits to read and download, and the little luxuries that make staying in so much more satisfying.

SIGN UP

Plus, sign up here to get Harper’s Bazaar magazine delivered straight to your door.

SIGN UP

You Might Also Like

Watch the latest videos from Yahoo UK Lifestyle