Melania Trump (born April 26, 1970), the wife of Donald Trump, the 45th U.S. president, became the second-ever first lady born outside of the United States and the first for whom English was not a first language. A native of Slovenia, Melania worked as a fashion model in Europe and the U.S. before marrying Trump in 2005. The couple has a son, Barron, born in 2006. As of 2024, Melania is 54 years old. Donald Trump, born in 1946, is her partner, and they share their son Barron. Melania Trump’s net worth is estimated to be around $50 million.
Early Life
Melania Trump, born Melanija Knavs, hailed from Novo Mesto, Slovenia, then part of communist Yugoslavia. Her upbringing in the small Central European nation was marked by modesty. Melania’s father, Viktor Knavs, worked as a car salesman, while her mother, Amalija, was a pattern maker at a factory producing children’s clothing. Melania has an older sister and an older half-brother. In 1991, Slovenia gained independence, marking a significant shift in Melania’s homeland’s political landscape.
Education and Modeling Career
In 1985, Melania left her hometown to attend the Secondary School of Design and Photography in Ljubljana, the capital of Slovenia. After completing her secondary education, she briefly enrolled at the University of Ljubljana but soon dropped out to pursue a modeling career. Melania worked in Milan and Paris, establishing herself in the European fashion scene before moving to New York City in 1996 to further her career. It was during this period that she changed the spelling of her name to Melania Knauss.
Marriage and Family Life
In 1998, Melania met Donald Trump at a party in a Manhattan nightclub. The twice-married businessman and father of four began dating Melania, and the couple tied the knot in January 2005 in Palm Beach, Florida. Their lavish wedding reception was held at Trump’s estate, Mar-a-Lago, and featured Melania on the cover of Vogue magazine wearing a couture wedding gown valued at approximately $100,000. In 2006, the couple welcomed their son, Barron. Melania focused on motherhood while also launching her jewelry and skincare lines.
2016 Presidential Campaign
Melania played a reserved role during Donald Trump’s 2016 presidential campaign. Known for her glamorous yet low-profile persona, she made limited appearances, prioritizing her son Barron. Trump’s children from his previous marriages, Donald Jr., Ivanka, Eric, and Tiffany, were more visible on the campaign trail. Melania’s significant moment came at the Republican National Convention in July 2016 when she gave a speech in support of her husband. However, the speech drew controversy due to its similarities to Michelle Obama’s 2008 Democratic National Convention address. A campaign speechwriter later took responsibility for the plagiarism.
First Lady of the United States
On November 8, 2016, Donald Trump won the presidential election, defeating Hillary Clinton in a surprising victory. Melania Trump became the first foreign-born first lady since Louisa Adams, who served from 1825 to 1829. Initially, Melania kept a low profile as first lady, staying in New York City for several months so Barron could finish his school year.
Be Best Campaign
In 2018, Melania launched the “Be Best” campaign, focusing on raising awareness about cyberbullying and opioid abuse. The campaign received mixed reactions, with some praising her efforts and others criticizing the scope and effectiveness of the initiative. Despite the criticism, Melania remained committed to her cause.
Jacket Controversy
In June 2018, Melania faced backlash for wearing a jacket with the words “I really don’t care. Do U?” during a visit to a children’s shelter in McAllen, Texas. The jacket choice was seen as insensitive and sparked widespread controversy. Melania later stated that the jacket was a message to the media rather than the children.
Post-White House Life
Following Donald Trump’s defeat in the 2020 presidential election, Melania and her family relocated to Florida. Like her husband, Melania broke tradition by not attending the inauguration of President Joe Biden. Since leaving the White House, Melania has maintained a low profile, focusing on her family and personal projects.
Legacy
Melania Trump’s tenure as first lady was marked by her unique background and approach to the role. As the first foreign-born first lady in nearly two centuries, she brought a distinct perspective to the position. Her “Be Best” campaign highlighted significant issues, although it faced its share of challenges. Melania’s journey from a small town in Slovenia to the White House is a testament to her resilience and adaptability, leaving a lasting imprint on American history.