A new book by a former confidante of Melania Trump claims the first lady is "fully in control" of the Trump family, contradicting previous portrayals of her as a reluctant figure in the White House. The book, Melania & Me by Stephanie Winston Wolkoff, details alleged turf wars between Melania and her stepdaughter Ivanka Trump.
According to Wolkoff, Ivanka sought to undermine Melania in various ways, including interfering with staff appointments and attempting to gatecrash official events. After one dispute over a chief of staff appointment, Melania referred to Ivanka and her allies as "snakes". The book also suggests Ivanka may have been behind a plagiarism scandal that dogged Melania's speech at the 2016 Republican convention.
Wolkoff, a former events planner, worked unpaid for Melania in the White House but left after controversy over payments to her company for inauguration planning. The first lady did not defend her friend, leading to a sense of betrayal that prompted the book.
Melania is quoted as saying of her husband Donald Trump's alleged extramarital affairs and his infamous "grab them by the pussy" comment: "I know who I married." She insists her first priority is her son Barron.
The book is set for release on 1 September, following a tell-all by Trump's niece Mary Trump. Melania Trump is due to speak at the Republican National Convention on Tuesday, while Ivanka will introduce her father on Thursday.
