Melania and Ivana Trump spar over roles

WASHINGTON - After her divorce played out like a real-life soap opera in the tabloids, Ivana Trump has stayed relatively silent about life with the now-President of the United States.

Aside from a cameo in the 1996 movie "The First Wives Club," where Mrs. Trump famously told a trio of divorcees, "don't get mad, get everything," she steered clear of the spotlight. Even after their acrimonious split, it was the first Mrs. Trump who defended her ex-husband after a report accused him of "marital rape" three decades ago, and supported his stance on immigration reform.

But now, with a book, called "Raising Trump," on the horizon, the original Mrs. Donald Trump is garnering headlines for an eye-opening interview with ABC's "Good Morning America."

When asked if she'd enjoy life in the White House, she demurred, but pointed out,"I'm basically first Trump wife. OK? I'm first lady."

The comment spurred a quick response from the office of the actual First Lady, Melania Trump, Mr. Trump's third wife.

"Mrs. Trump has made the White House a home for Barron and the president. She loves living in Washington, D.C. and is honored by her role as first lady of the United States. She plans to use her title and role to help children, not sell books," said spokesperson Stephanie Grisham. "There is clearly no substance to this statement from an ex, this is unfortunately only attention-seeking and self-serving noise."

On FOX 5's "The Final 5," Jim Lokay spoke with relationship expert David Bennett from thepopularman.com, who offered some thoughts on how the situation was handled by both parties.

"I thought the statement was a little passive aggressive….no one thinks Ivana is the first lady, everyone knows Melania is the first lady."

When asked if he were called upon to offer advice to the current first lady, Bennett said, "I would keep doing the things she's doing. Being successful the way she's successful…her being successful is the best way to show she's comfortable being the first lady."