First Lady Melania Trump

Melania Trump | Biography

• By Stone Palmer
• Original : February 18, 2025

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Who is Melania Trump?

Melania Trump, born Melanija Knavs on April 26, 1970, in Novo Mesto, Slovenia, is an internationally recognized former model and the wife of Donald Trump, the 45th and 47th president of the United States. As the first foreign-born First Lady since Louisa Adams, Melania has made significant contributions to social causes, particularly focusing on child welfare and anti-cyberbullying initiatives. Before her marriage in 2005, she established a successful modeling career, gracing multiple magazine covers and working with renowned photographers, which played a crucial role in her personal brand.

Raised in a modest household, Melania began modeling at the age of 16 and moved to the U.S. in 1996 to pursue her career. She gained her green card through the EB-1 immigration program, becoming an American citizen in 2006. Throughout her time as First Lady, Melania championed the “Be Best” initiative, emphasizing the importance of kindness, respect, and healthy lifestyles for children. Her background as a model and her experience in public life have shaped her role in the White House, making her a distinctive figure in American political history.

Early Life and Education

Melania Trump, born Melanija Knavs on April 26, 1970, in Novo Mesto, Slovenia, grew up in a modest home where her father, Viktor, worked as a car dealer and her mother, Amalija, made children's clothing. She has a younger sister, Ines, and later discovered an older half-brother, Denis, from her father's previous relationship. Melania's upbringing in a regional and artistic environment contributed to her early interest in modeling. She moved to Ljubljana as a teenager, nurturing her aspirations and engaging with the vibrant fashion scene that Slovenia had to offer.

At the age of 16, Melania began her modeling career while attending high school in Ljubljana. She eventually signed with a modeling agency in Milan two years later, all while briefly pursuing university studies at the University of Ljubljana before dropping out to fully commit to her burgeoning career. This move set the stage for her transition to the United States in 1996, where she continued to establish herself in the fashion industry. Her dedication to her craft and her ambition ultimately led her to work with prominent photographers and grace the covers of well-known international magazines.

Modeling Career and Achievements

Melania Trump began her modeling career at the tender age of 16, quickly becoming a prominent figure in the fashion industry. She signed with a modeling agency in Milan two years later, where she honed her craft and gained international exposure. After moving to New York City in 1996, Melania worked with renowned fashion photographers such as Patrick Demarchelier and Helmut Newton. Her striking beauty and tall stature—standing at 5 feet, 11 inches—landed her on the covers of multiple high-profile magazines, including Harper's Bazaar Bulgaria and Vanity Fair Italia, establishing her as a well-respected international model.

In addition to magazine covers, Melania gained attention for her appearances in various campaigns and advertisements. Notably, she posed nude for the January 2000 edition of British GQ, which later became a subject of controversy during her husband Donald Trump's presidential campaign in 2016. Despite the scrutiny surrounding her past, Melania defended her modeling work, emphasizing the art of self-expression and the beauty of the human body. This resilience helped solidify her presence in the modeling realm, showcasing her ability to navigate fame and public perception effectively.

Marriage to Donald Trump

Melania Trump, born Melanija Knavs, met Donald Trump at a New York fashion party in 1998. Initially hesitant to date him, their romance blossomed in the following year but faced a brief interruption in 2000. They ultimately reunited, and in April 2004, Donald proposed, leading to their opulent wedding in January 2005 at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Palm Beach, Florida. The couple’s high-profile event was graced by numerous celebrity guests, highlighting the media frenzy surrounding their relationship. After the wedding, Melania officially adopted her husband’s last name, becoming Melania Trump.

In March 2006, Melania and Donald welcomed their only child, Barron, who is Donald's fifth child. The couple’s marriage has faced public scrutiny, particularly regarding Donald’s alleged infidelities, including a widely reported affair with adult film star Stormy Daniels. Throughout these challenges, Melania has remained largely supportive of her husband, emphasizing a hands-on approach to mothering Barron while navigating the complex landscape of being the spouse of a public figure. This steadfastness has characterized her role as a wife, demonstrating commitment amid the challenges of a highly scrutinized marriage in the spotlight.

First Lady and Be Best Initiative

Melania Trump, a prominent figure in American political life, is the First Lady of the United States and the wife of both the 45th and 47th President, Donald Trump. Born on April 26, 1970, in Novo Mesto, Slovenia, she began her journey as a model, gaining recognition and gracing the covers of several international magazines. Melania's transition to her role as First Lady marks a unique chapter in U.S. history, as she is the first foreign-born individual to hold this position since Louisa Adams in the 1820s. Throughout her life, Melania has emphasized the importance of family and personal relationships, demonstrating a strong commitment to her son, Barron.

During her time in the White House, Melania launched the "Be Best" initiative, a program dedicated to improving the well-being of children. This campaign focuses on three critical pillars: promoting healthy living, addressing issues of opioid abuse, and combating cyberbullying. Melania was inspired to advocate against online bullying after her son experienced his own challenges in this area. Under her leadership, "Be Best" seeks to foster kindness and compassion among youth, emphasizing the importance of teaching American values. As Melania resumes her duties as First Lady, she plans to build upon this initiative and continue her advocacy for children's welfare and mental health.

Personal Life: Married Life and Children

Melania Trump, born Melanija Knavs, met Donald Trump at a New York fashion party in 1998. Initially reluctant to pursue a relationship with him, Melania eventually began dating Donald in 1999. After a brief breakup, the couple reconnected and got engaged in April 2004. They celebrated their wedding on January 22, 2005, in a lavish ceremony held at the Episcopal Church of Bethesda-by-the-Sea in Palm Beach, Florida, marked by high-profile guests like Shaquille O'Neal and Barbara Walters. Following their nuptials, Melania changed her name to Melania Trump and quickly adapted to her role as the wife of a prominent businessman and later a politician.

On March 20, 2006, Melania and Donald welcomed their only child, Barron William Trump, who is Donald's fifth child and Melania's first. As a mother, Melania has sought to maintain a hands-on approach, especially during Barron's early years. The family resided in New York City until Donald's election as president in 2016, after which Melania and Barron moved to the White House. Melania emphasized her dedication to motherhood, often saying that being a mom is her "first priority." Throughout their marriage, they have navigated public scrutiny and personal challenges, yet their bond remains strong, underscored by shared values and experiences.

Net Worth and Earning: $50 million

Melania Trump, the first lady of the United States and wife of former President Donald Trump, has an estimated net worth of $50 million as of August 2024. This wealth stems from her successful modeling career and various business ventures. Originally hailing from Slovenia, she gained prominence in the fashion industry after moving to the United States in the late 1990s, where she worked with top photographers and appeared on the covers of major magazines. Her modeling career laid the financial groundwork that contributed significantly to her current net worth.

In addition to modeling, Melania has pursued entrepreneurial endeavors. Notably, she launched a jewelry line called Melania Timepieces & Jewelry with QVC in 2010, although it is no longer active. In 2016, she also created a skincare collection that unfortunately did not last long, as the manufacturer severed ties with her a year later. Currently, Melania has established an online presence, selling jewelry, ornaments, and digital collectibles from her website, further bolstering her income and financial portfolio.

FAQs

Who is Melania Trump?

Melania Trump is the wife of Donald Trump and served as the first lady of the United States during his presidency. Born in Slovenia on April 26, 1970, she started her career as a model and became known for her work in luxury fashion. Melania has been involved in various initiatives focusing on child well-being, anti-cyberbullying, and opioid abuse.

What initiatives did Melania Trump champion as First Lady?

As first lady, Melania Trump launched the "Be Best" initiative, focusing on children's well-being, anti-cyberbullying efforts, and opioid addiction awareness. She aimed to educate children about the importance of kindness, respect, and healthy behaviors. The initiative was a cornerstone of her public role during her time in the White House.

Where was Melania Trump born?

Melania Trump was born in Novo Mesto, Slovenia, which was part of communist Yugoslavia at the time of her birth. She grew up in a modest home and soon moved to Slovenia’s capital, Ljubljana, to pursue her education and early modeling career.

When did Melania Trump move to the United States?

Melania Trump moved to the United States in 1996 to advance her modeling career. She initially settled in New York City, where she gained prominence in the fashion industry and worked with renowned photographers, eventually achieving international recognition.

What is Melania Trump's educational background?

Melania attended the University of Ljubljana for one year before dropping out to pursue her modeling career. Despite not completing her degree, she successfully built a prominent modeling career, working internationally in various fashion capitals.

How did Melania Trump meet Donald Trump?

Melania Trump met Donald Trump in 1998 at a New York fashion party. Although she declined to date him initially, they eventually began a relationship that led to their engagement in 2004 and marriage in January 2005.

Did Melania Trump have any health issues during her husband’s presidency?

Yes, Melania Trump experienced health concerns during her husband’s presidency. In May 2018, she underwent surgery for a benign kidney condition and subsequently recovered. Later, in October 2020, she and her husband tested positive for COVID-19, from which they both recovered.

What is Melania Trump's net worth?

As of August 2024, Melania Trump's estimated net worth is around $50 million. Her wealth is attributed to her modeling career, business endeavors, and various projects, including her jewelry line and skincare collection.