Melania Trump has hit back at Ivana Trump, the President's first wife, after she made a jibe at the First Lady, saying her status as the President’s first wife effectively made her first lady.

She responded to Ivana via a message from the White House,which made clear there was room for only one first lady, but will spark speculation about jealousy among the Trump wives – past and present.

“Mrs Trump has made the White House a home for Barron and The President. She loves living in Washington, DC and is honoured 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 the statement issued by Stephanie Grisham, the first lady's spokeswoman.

“There is clearly no substance to this statement from an ex. Unfortunately only attention seeking and self-serving noise.”

Mrs Trump's initial reticence to move to the White House and reluctance to speak publicly at one time led to questions about whether she was comfortable in her high-profile role, and might explain why her office was so quick to slap down a potential usurper.