In a surprising twist from the annals of Donald Trump's personal life, a resurfaced story about a 1995 Pizza Hut commercial is once again drawing attention. According to revelations from Maggie Haberman’s 2022 book Confidence Man, Trump secretly filmed the advertisement with his ex-wife, Ivana Trump, just two years after marrying his second wife, Marla Maples. The ad’s content reportedly left Maples so distraught that she physically reacted upon learning about it.
The Pizza Hut commercial, which became widely popular, played on the public’s fascination with the high-profile divorce between Trump and Ivana. In the ad, the former couple exchanged playful banter, with Ivana teasingly asking for the last slice of pizza and Trump responding, "Actually, you're only entitled to half." The commercial’s dialogue and the onscreen chemistry between the ex-spouses hinted at an undertone of unresolved tension, making it a memorable, albeit controversial, moment in 1990s pop culture.
Trump and Ivana, who were married from 1977 to 1990, share three children: Donald Jr., Ivanka, and Eric. The pair’s divorce was one of the most publicized splits of the decade, marked by tabloids covering every detail. So when Trump appeared alongside Ivana in the Pizza Hut ad, the move was seen as both a bold marketing stunt and a nod to their tumultuous past.
What makes the story more intriguing is the impact the commercial had on Trump’s then-wife, Marla Maples. According to Haberman’s book, when Maples discovered that Trump had secretly filmed the ad with his ex-wife, she was so upset that she reportedly vomited. The book recounts Trump’s reaction to Maples’ distress, describing him as more amused than concerned, even remarking to an executive that the commercial was "really cute."
Despite the personal drama, Trump appeared unfazed by the controversy, treating the ad as a lighthearted nod to his past. The commercial itself became a pop culture talking point, with Trump and Ivana dressed in formal attire, playfully sparring over the last slice of pizza—a scene that was both relatable and provocative given their history.
Stephanie Winston Wolkoff, a former advisor to Melania Trump, reignited interest in the ad by posting about it on social media, pointing out the power dynamics at play. Wolkoff highlighted the commercial as a reminder of Trump’s penchant for flexing control, even in seemingly innocuous settings.
The ad has since garnered renewed criticism, with social media users expressing their disdain. Comments ranged from disgust at Trump’s actions to nostalgic anger from those who remembered the original airing of the commercial. Many viewed the ad as emblematic of Trump’s complex personal relationships and his ability to turn even the most personal moments into public spectacles.
Trump and Maples, who married in 1993, divorced in 1999 after six years together. They share one daughter, Tiffany Trump, who was born in 1993.