Donald & Ivana Trump: 'Don't Get Mad, Get Everything'
The tabloid divorce that defined an era — and coined a battle cry for every spouse who followed
Key Facts
What Happened
The marriage of Donald and Ivana Trump was a fixture of 1980s New York high society. They were the power couple of the Manhattan real estate world — he the brash developer, she the glamorous Czech-born businesswoman who managed the Plaza Hotel and oversaw design of Trump Tower interiors. But by 1989, Donald's affair with actress Marla Maples had become an open secret.
The divorce exploded into public view in February 1990 when Ivana and Marla Maples allegedly confronted each other on the slopes of Aspen, Colorado. The New York tabloids ran the story for months. The New York Post's famous front page read 'BEST SEX I EVER HAD' — a quote attributed (disputed) to Marla about Donald. Ivana reportedly responded with the now-iconic line: 'Don't get mad, get everything.'
The legal battle centered on a prenuptial agreement signed in Connecticut. Ivana challenged the prenup, arguing it was unconscionable and that she had not had independent legal counsel when amendments were signed. Donald insisted the prenup was valid and limited her to $14 million in cash plus their Connecticut mansion and a 45-room apartment in Trump Plaza.
After a brutal 18-month fight, the prenup was largely upheld. Ivana received approximately $14 million in cash, the Connecticut estate, an apartment in Trump Plaza, and $650,000 per year in child support for their three children. The divorce became a template for high-profile New York splits and transformed Ivana into a celebrity in her own right — she went on to write books, launch fashion lines, and become a fixture of the motivational speaking circuit.
Legal Breakdown: Prenuptial Agreements
Prenup Validity Under Attack
Ivana argued the prenup was unconscionable and that amendments were signed without independent legal counsel. Connecticut courts scrutinize prenups for fairness at the time of enforcement, not just at signing. Ultimately the prenup was upheld because Ivana had access to counsel and understood the terms.
Tabloid Pressure on Negotiations
The relentless media coverage created pressure on both parties. Donald wanted to protect his brand; Ivana wanted public sympathy. Media wars can influence settlement negotiations but also increase legal costs dramatically and damage both parties’ reputations.
Post-Divorce Non-Disparagement
The settlement reportedly included a non-disparagement clause preventing Ivana from discussing the marriage publicly without Donald’s consent. Such clauses are common in high-profile divorces and can be enforced with financial penalties.
What This Means for Your Divorce
- →Prenuptial agreements are difficult but not impossible to challenge. The key factors are independent counsel, full disclosure, and fairness at enforcement.
- →Media wars during divorce may feel satisfying but almost always increase costs and complicate negotiations.
- →Non-disparagement clauses can silence you for life. Negotiate their scope carefully before signing.
- →'Don’t get mad, get everything' is great advice — but in practice it means hiring an excellent lawyer and staying strategic, not emotional.
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This article is based on publicly available court records, news reports, and legal analysis. It is provided for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. No attorney-client relationship is created by reading this content.
Divorce laws vary by jurisdiction. Always consult a licensed attorney in your area before making legal decisions.