Meet Melania Trump
Melania Trump is a former model turned designer and the First Lady.of the United States. Melania happens to be married to billionaire, developer and current presidential candidate, the infamous Donald Trump.
Melania Trump: A Life in the Spotlight
Early Life and Background
Melania Trump, born Melanija Knavs on April 26, 1970, in Novo Mesto, Slovenia (then part of Yugoslavia), grew up in a modest household. Her father, Viktor Knavs, worked as a car dealer and later sold car parts for a state-owned manufacturer, while her mother, Amalija, was a patternmaker at a children’s clothing factory. Melania has an older sister, Ines, and an older half-brother whom she has never met. Despite the political climate of communist Yugoslavia, Melania’s family enjoyed a relatively comfortable lifestyle and often traveled throughout Europe.
From an early age, Melania exhibited an interest in fashion, participating in local fashion shows as a child. She attended the Secondary School for Design and Photography in Ljubljana and later enrolled at the University of Ljubljana to study architecture. However, she left after a few months to pursue a career in modeling.
Modeling Career
European Beginnings
Melania’s modeling career began at the age of 16 when she was discovered by Slovenian photographer Stane Jerko during a school-sponsored fashion show. She quickly gained recognition and was named runner-up in the Jana Magazine Look of the Year contest in 1992. This accolade opened doors for her to sign with modeling agencies across Europe.
In the mid-1990s, Melania relocated to Paris and later moved to New York City in 1996, where she signed with Metropolitan Models. She adopted the name Melania Knauss during this period and began to establish herself in the competitive fashion industry. Her work included high-profile campaigns and magazine features, including a notable appearance in the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue.
Transition to America
Once in New York, Melania’s career flourished as she secured lucrative modeling contracts. She became known for her striking looks and sophisticated style. In 1997, she participated in a controversial photo shoot for Max, which resurfaced during her husband Donald Trump’s presidential campaign years later.
Meeting Donald Trump
Melania met real estate mogul Donald Trump at a party in September 1998 through her modeling agency’s co-owner Paolo Zampolli. Their relationship began with an initial spark; however, it was marked by ups and downs before they ultimately became inseparable. The couple’s romance attracted significant media attention due to their contrasting backgrounds—Melania as an international model and Donald as a prominent businessman.
In April 2004, on her birthday, Donald proposed to Melania. They married on January 22, 2005, at Bethesda-by-the-Sea church in Palm Beach, Florida. The wedding was lavishly attended by celebrities and high-profile guests, reflecting their status in society.
Life as First Lady
Melania Trump served as the First Lady of the United States from January 2017 to January 2021 during Donald Trump’s presidency. She made history as the first naturalized citizen to hold this position and only the second foreign-born First Lady after Louisa Adams.
Initiatives and Public Image
During her tenure as First Lady, Melania launched the “Be Best” campaign focused on children’s well-being and online safety. She also made headlines for her minimal public appearances compared to previous First Ladies and faced scrutiny over various controversies surrounding her husband’s presidency.
Despite facing challenges—including allegations of extramarital affairs against Donald Trump—Melania maintained a composed public persona. She often chose to prioritize family life over political events, especially during her son’s early years.
Personal Life
Melania and Donald Trump have one son together, Barron William Trump, born on March 20, 2006. As a mother, Melania took an active role in raising Barron without relying heavily on nannies. She emphasized her desire to be present for him during his formative years while balancing her responsibilities as First Lady.
In addition to her family life, Melania has pursued various business ventures over the years. She launched her own jewelry line in 2009 and has engaged in several philanthropic efforts.
Published her memoir “Melania” New York Times #1 best seller in October 2024.
You can check Melania’s ventures on her page.
Melania Trump’s journey from a small town in Slovenia to becoming First Lady of the United States is marked by resilience and ambition. Her unique background as an immigrant and former model adds depth to her role in American society. As she transitions into life after the White House, Melania continues to embody the complexities of modern womanhood—balancing personal aspirations with public expectations while navigating the intricate dynamics of political life alongside her husband.
Find Melania Trump on Instagram.
