Featured Image Credit: BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI/AFP via Getty Images
Topics: Melania Trump, Donald Trump, US News, Politics
Rhianna Benson
Topics: Melania Trump, Donald Trump, US News, Politics
Amid reports of tension between Donald Trump's wife and his eldest daughter, rumours have this week alleged that First Lady Melania actually has a pretty damning nickname for Ivanka.
The stepmother-stepdaughter duo have long been said to have behind-the-scenes - though, they've only ever seemed to enjoy an amicable relationship in the public eye.
For those in need of a reminder, Slovenian-born model Melania tied the knot with businessman and TV personality Donald Trump all the way back in 2005, after several years of on-off dating.
When the couple got married, Melania was just 34, whilst her future-president hubby was 58.
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Even more jaw-dropping, though, is that the father-of-five's eldest daughter, businesswoman Ivanka Trump, was just 11 years younger than his new wife.
As such, Melania is now 54, and her step-daughter is 43.
You'd imagine, therefore, that being so close in age would bring the pair closer together. But apparently, this couldn't be further from the truth.
According to reports, the duo's tensions have intensified in recent years - particularly following Trump's transition from TV star to White House leader during the first presidential election in 2016.
According to The Mail, mother-of-three Ivanka took on a number of her step-mother's official responsibilities around this time, after Melania decided to spend vast periods of time away from Washington D.C..
The outlet also alleged that Ivanka pushed at the time for Melania's title to be changed from Office of the First Lady to the Office of the First Family. Brutal, I know.
Apparently, however, Melania - who is mum to Trump's youngest son, 18-year-old Barron - got her own back by developing a secret scandalous nickname for her step-daughter, which she only uses in front of a select handful of people.
The same news outlet claims that the First Lady refers to Ivanka as 'the Princess' rather regularly.
Discussing her role of step-mother to Ivanka and her husband's three other children in her titular memoir recently, Melania explained: "My role is not to replace [her stepchildren's] mothers but to nurture a supportive and amicable connection.
Elsewhere, she added: "It is essential to remember that each person is deserving of respect and understanding, regardless of disagreements."
Anyone think this sounds like a veiled reference to behind-the-scenes beef? Me too.
By the sounds of things, however, Melania has no plans to change her somewhat estranged behaviour towards the Oval Office.
Speaking to Fox News presenter Ainsley Earhardt ahead of Trump's January inauguration, the mum-of-one explained how she'd be dividing her time throughout the next four years.
"I will be in the White House," she claimed. "And, you know, when I need to be in New York, I will be in New York. When I need to be in Palm Beach, I will be in Palm Beach."
Tyla has contacted the White House for comment.