Melania Trump

Who is Melania Knauss Trump?

Melania Knauss Trump, a Slovenian-born American former model and the first lady of the United States since 2025, has left an indelible mark on history. Born in Novo Mesto, Yugoslavia (now Slovenia), she began her modeling career at just sixteen years old, changing her name to Melania Knauss and eventually meeting Paolo Zampolli, who sponsored her immigration to the United States in 1996.

Early Life and Modeling Career

Melanija Knavs was born on April 26, 1970. Her father worked as a chauffeur for a state-owned vehicle manufacturer, while her family enjoyed the benefits of living in a communist society. As a child, she participated in fashion shows and began customizing her own clothes at an early age. At sixteen, she was discovered by Stane Jerko and embarked on a modeling career that took her across Europe before settling in Paris around 1993.

Meeting Donald Trump

Melania met Donald Trump at a party in September 1998. Initially rejected, they eventually began dating after she called him back. Their relationship was tumultuous but ultimately led to marriage on January 22, 2005, at the Bethesda-by-the-Sea church in Palm Beach, Florida.

First Lady of the United States

Melania’s role as first lady began with her husband’s presidency. She focused on children’s issues and launched the Be Best campaign to combat cyberbullying and prevent opioid abuse. Despite facing challenges such as allegations of extramarital affairs, she remained a key figure in the White House.

Be Best Campaign

The Be Best campaign was a significant part of Melania’s tenure. It aimed to raise awareness about important issues affecting children and families. However, it faced criticism for its perceived hypocrisy given her husband’s history of online attacks. Despite this, she continued to promote the initiative.

Post-White House

After leaving the White House in 2021, Melania returned to Mar-a-Lago and retained one White House advisor. She made occasional paid speaking appearances and founded a scholarship program for foster children. In January 2025, she became the second U.S. first lady to hold the position twice non-consecutively.

Future Plans

Melania announced her intention to publish a memoir titled ‘Melania’ and faced controversy among Republicans when she expressed support for the right to abortion. Amazon MGM Studios also announced plans to license an upcoming documentary film on her life, further cementing her legacy.

Melania Knauss Trump’s journey from a young Slovenian model to the first foreign-born U.S. first lady is nothing short of remarkable. Her influence, both positive and controversial, has left an indelible mark on American history. As she continues her work post-White House, her legacy will undoubtedly continue to shape public discourse.