Melania Trump is a former model who became the first lady of the U.S. during Donald Trump’s presidency (2017 to 2021). Born in Slovenia. She began modeling in her teens and appeared on international magazine covers. After moving to New York in the 1990s, she met Donald Trump.
Melania married in 2005 with Trupm and has a son Barron. As the first foreign-born U.S. first lady since the 1820s. She focused on children’s welfare online bullying and opioid abuse. She published her memoir in October 2024.
Quick Facts About Melania Trump
| Full Name | Melania Trump (née Knauss) |
| Date of Birth | April 26, 1970 |
| Place of Birth | Slovenia |
| Occupation | Former model, businesswoman |
| Years as First Lady | 2017 – 2021 |
| Husband | Donald Trump |
| Children | Barron William Trump |
| Notable Causes | Children’s welfare, anti-bullying, opioid abuse |
| Memoir | Released in October 2024 |
| Historic Significance | First foreign-born U.S. first lady since Louisa Adams |
Melania Trump’s Origins
Early Life
Melania Trump originally named Melanija Knavs was born on April 26, 1970, in Novo Mesto, Slovenia. It was part of communist Yugoslavia at the time. Her father worked as a car dealer and her mother was a designer of children’s clothing.
Family Background
Melania grew up in a modest household alongside her younger sister, Ines. She later discovered she had an older half-brother Denis from her father’s previous relationship. As a teenager, she moved to Ljubljana the capital of Slovenia where she attended high school and began her modeling career.
Move to the United States
In 1996, Melania relocated to the United States to further her modeling aspirations. She was granted a green card for permanent residency in March 2001 through the EB-1 program, commonly referred to as the “Einstein visa.” This visa is reserved for individuals with extraordinary abilities in various fields, including academics and the arts. Melania became a U.S. citizen in 2006.
Immigration Controversy
In early 2018, during her husband Donald Trump’s efforts to reform immigration, questions arose about Melania’s qualifications for the EB-1 program. Later that year, it was revealed that her parents had obtained U.S. citizenship, with Melania sponsoring their green cards. This situation contrasted sharply with her husband’s proposed “merit-based” immigration system, which aimed to reduce family sponsorships.
Modeling Career
Melania Trump began her modeling career at 16. Two years later, she signed with a modeling agency in Milan. She briefly studied at the University of Ljubljana but left after one year to focus on modeling full-time.
Melania, who is 5 feet 11 inches tall, worked in Milan and Paris before moving to New York in 1996. While traveling, she learned several languages, including English, French, Italian, and German.
Once in the U.S., Melania worked with famous photographers like Patrick Demarchelier and Helmut Newton. She graced the covers of notable magazines, including Harper’s Bazaar Bulgaria, Vanity Fair Italia, and the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue.
In January 2000, she posed nude for British GQ. In 2005, Melania appeared in an Aflac commercial and co-hosted an episode of The View.
Nude Photo Controversy
During Donald Trump’s 2016 presidential campaign, Melania Trump’s past nude modeling photos caused a stir. One of the first images to surface was her 2000 spread in British GQ, where she posed naked on a fur blanket.
In July 2016, the New York Post published nude photos of a 25-year-old Melania, including one where she was in bed with another woman. These images originally appeared in a now-defunct French men’s magazine.
In response to the controversy, Donald Trump defended Melania, stating that she was a successful model and that such photos were common in Europe. He noted that the images were taken before he met her.
In September 2024, Melania addressed the issue, expressing pride in her nude modeling work. She criticized the media for scrutinizing her past, asking if society could still appreciate the beauty of the human body. Melania emphasized the importance of honoring our bodies and using art as a form of self-expression.
Marriage to Donald Trump
Melania and Donald Trump have been married for nearly two decades. They first met at a fashion party in New York in 1998. Initially, Melania declined to date Donald, but they began a relationship the following year. After a brief breakup in 2000, they reconnected and got engaged in April 2004.
The couple married in a grand ceremony in Palm Beach, Florida, in January 2005, with high-profile guests such as Shaquille O’Neal, Barbara Walters, and Kelly Ripa. After the wedding, Melania officially became Melania Trump.
Family Life
In March 2006, Melania gave birth to their son, Barron, who is Donald’s fifth child and Melania’s only child. She took an active role in raising Barron, who grew up in both New York City and Washington, D.C.
Throughout their marriage, the couple faced rumors of infidelity. A notable incident involved an alleged affair between Donald and adult film star Stormy Daniels, which surfaced in January 2018. Daniels claimed they had a consensual encounter in July 2006, but Donald has denied the allegations.
Following the news, Melania canceled a trip with Donald and maintained a low profile, although she later attended his State of the Union address. Melania has not publicly addressed the scandal.
First Lady
Melania Trump is one of only two former first ladies born outside the U.S. She became the first foreign-born first lady since Louisa Adams when her husband, Donald Trump, became president in January 2017. At first, Melania and their son Barron stayed in New York City so he could finish school.
Focus as First Lady
As first lady, Melania focused on important issues like education, bullying, and immigration. For National Read-a-Book Day in September 2017, she sent Dr. Seuss books to schools around the country. In October, she visited a middle school in Detroit with Education Secretary Betsy DeVos, encouraging kindness and respect among students.
Be Best Initiative
In January 2018, Melania started her “Be Best” initiative. This program aimed to help children’s well-being, tackle opioid abuse, and fight cyberbullying. Melania emphasized teaching kids how to express and handle their feelings. She was concerned about the pressures children face today.
Immigration Issues
In June 2018, Melania spoke out about the separation of children from their parents at the U.S.-Mexico border. Her spokesperson said she did not support this practice and hoped for changes in immigration policy. Shortly after, she visited a children’s shelter in Texas, but her visit drew attention to her jacket with the words “I DON’T CARE, DO U?”
Final Days in Office
As Donald Trump’s presidency ended during a chaotic time, including the Capitol riot on January 6, 2021, Melania tried to end her time as first lady on a positive note. She stressed the importance of unity in her farewell message, expressing hope for the future.
Life After the White House
She made a rare appearance at the Republican National Convention and released her memoir, Melania, in October 2024. Where she shares her life story including her childhood and role as first lady.
Financial Standing
As of August 2024, Melania’s net worth is estimated at $50 million. Besides modeling, she has been involved in several business ventures. She launched a jewelry line and a skincare collection but both have ended. Now, she sells jewelry and digital collectibles on her website.
Health Concerns
In May 2018, Melania had surgery for a benign kidney issue. She recovered but stayed out of the public eye for weeks afterward. In October 2020, Melania and Donald Trump tested positive for COVID-19. They both recovered along with their son Barron who tested negative at first but was later confirmed to have the virus.
Net Worth
Melania Trump’s net worth is about $50 million as of 2024. She earned her wealth from her modeling career and various business projects. Melania worked with top brands and magazines. She also started a jewelry line and a skincare collection, adding to her financial success.
FAQs
How old is Trump’s wife?
Melania Trump was born on April 26, 1970, which makes her 54 years old as of now.
What is Melania Trump age
Melania Trump is currently 54 years old.
How old is Trump’s wife?
As mentioned, Melania Trump is 54 years old.
Who was younger model Melania Trump
Melania Trump began her modeling career at a young age, starting when she was just 16.