Melania Trump: A Comprehensive Biography

Melania Trump: Family Life and Public Image

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Published in 04-14-2025

Melania Trump is a public figure who has been at the center of international attention for the past two decades. From her beginnings in Eastern Europe to her role as First Lady of the United States, her story is marked by glamour, discretion, and influence.

Full name: Melanija Knavs (later Melania Knauss)
Date of birth: April 26, 1970
Place of birth: Novo Mesto, Slovenia (formerly Yugoslavia)

Early life and origins
Melania grew up in Sevnica, a small town in Slovenia. Her father, Viktor Knavs, worked as a car salesman, and her mother, Amalija, was a patternmaker in a textile factory. From a young age, Melania was passionate about fashion and design. She began modeling at 16, later working in major fashion hubs like Milan and Paris.

Melania Trump: Her Role as First Lady

Photo: Melania Trump Instagram
Move to the United States
In the 1990s, Melania moved to New York City to pursue a professional modeling career. She appeared in top magazines such as Vogue, GQ, and Harper's Bazaar. In 2001, she obtained a green card under a program for individuals with extraordinary ability. She became a U.S. citizen in 2006.

Relationship with Donald Trump
Melania met Donald Trump in 1998 at a party in Manhattan. They married on January 22, 2005, in a lavish ceremony in Palm Beach, Florida. Her wedding dress, designed by John Galliano for Dior, made headlines worldwide. In 2006, their son Barron William Trump was born.

First Lady of the United States (2017-2021)
Melania became the 45th First Lady of the United States when Donald Trump took office in January 2017. She was the second First Lady born outside the U.S. and the first whose native language is not English.

During her tenure, she launched the Be Best initiative, focused on children's well-being, online behavior, and anti-cyberbullying efforts. Though she kept a low profile and avoided political controversy, her elegant and reserved style drew global attention.

Photo: Melania Trump Instagram
Life after the White House
After leaving the White House in 2021, Melania chose a more private life. She lives at Mar-a-Lago in Florida and spends part of the year in Bedminster, New Jersey. She has focused on her family, especially her son Barron, who is now an adult.

During the 2024-2025 presidential campaign, Melania made limited public appearances, choosing to remain in the background. However, she continues to support social causes, especially those related to children and veterans.

Present day (2025)
Today, Melania Trump maintains a low public profile. Her social media presence is rare and carefully curated. Still, her influence remains notable in both political and fashion circles.

To learn more about her time as First Lady, visit this official resource at WhiteHouse.gov.

Melania Trump remains a symbol of elegance, resilience, and discretion in recent U.S. history.