50 Facts About Melania Trump

Early Life and Education

Melania Trump's journey began in a small town in Slovenia. Her early years laid the foundation for her future success.

1. Melania Trump was born Melanija Knavs in Novo Mesto, Slovenia, which was then part of Yugoslavia. Her father, Viktor Knavs, was a car dealer, and her mother, Amalija Knavs, was a pattern maker at a children's clothing factory.
2. Melania changed the spelling of her name from Melanija to Melania when she began her modeling career in Europe.
3. Melania holds a degree in design and architecture from the University of Ljubljana in Slovenia.

Modeling Career

Melania's modeling career took her from Slovenia to the fashion capitals of Europe and eventually to the United States.

4. At the age of 16, Melania started her modeling career in Milan, Italy. She quickly gained success and moved to Paris to seek more opportunities. Her modeling career spanned across Europe and eventually led her to the United States.
5. In 1996, Melania moved to New York City with the help of Paolo Zampolli, a modeling agent who sponsored her immigration to the United States.
6. Melania is known for her impeccable fashion sense. She has been featured on numerous magazine covers and has worked with renowned designers like John Galliano.

Marriage and Family

Melania's personal life took a significant turn when she met Donald Trump.

7. Melania met Donald Trump at a fashion party in New York City in 1998. They began dating shortly after and eventually got married in 2005.
8. Melania and Donald Trump married on January 22, 2005, at the Episcopal Church of Bethesda-by-the-Sea in Palm Beach, Florida. The couple has one son, Barron William Trump, born on March 20, 2006.
9. Melania became a naturalized U.S. citizen in 2006, making her the first naturalized citizen to become First Lady of the United States.

Philanthropic Work

Even before becoming First Lady, Melania was deeply involved in various charitable activities.

10. Before becoming First Lady, Melania was involved in various philanthropic activities. She served as Honorary Chairwoman for the Martha Graham Dance Company and was awarded Goodwill Ambassador by the American Red Cross in 2005.
11. In 2010, Melania launched her own jewelry collection, which she had been working on for several years.
12. Melania is fluent in five languages: Slovenian, English, French, Serbian, and German.

First Lady Initiatives

As First Lady, Melania focused on children's welfare and education through her "Be Best" campaign.

13. As First Lady, Melania launched the "Be Best" campaign in 2018, focusing on children's well-being, online safety, and combating opioid abuse. The campaign aimed to address these critical issues and promote positive change among young people.
14. One of the key components of the "Be Best" campaign was the initiative against cyberbullying. Melania advocated for kindness and empathy online, encouraging children to treat each other with respect and dignity.
15. Melania used the "Be Best" platform to raise awareness about the dangers of opioid abuse. She met with medical professionals and families in recovery, promoting innovative treatment programs for babies born with Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS).

International and Domestic Engagements

Melania's role as First Lady took her across the globe and into various communities within the United States.

16. In October 2018, Melania embarked on a solo international trip to Africa, visiting Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, and Egypt. She highlighted impactful hospitals, schools, and USAID programs benefiting children.
17. Melania showed her appreciation for the military and their families by traveling to military bases domestically and overseas. She also worked with Second Lady Karen Pence to expand the American Red Cross Comfort Kit program for deployed troops.
18. In 2020, Melania honored the 100th Anniversary of the Ratification of the 19th Amendment by hosting a children’s art competition. She featured a winner from each state in the "Building the Movement Exhibit" and worked with the bipartisan Women’s Suffrage Centennial Commission to pass legislation authorizing the “Every Word We Utter” Monument in Washington, D.C.

COVID-19 Response

During the pandemic, Melania took active steps to support public health and safety.

19. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Melania used her platform to publish public service announcements promoting helpful guidance and reminders from the Center for Disease Control (CDC). She also kept in constant communication with state and local governments, foreign leaders, and developed creative online engagements with children to keep them safe at home.
20. Melania published several public service announcements during the pandemic, focusing on health guidelines and community support. These announcements aimed to educate the public and provide reassurance during a challenging time.
21. In addition to her official efforts, Melania sent care packages and donated lunches to hospitals, local law enforcement officers, foster care facilities, and others who fought the virus from the frontlines.

Personal Life and Style

Melania's personal life and fashion sense have always been subjects of public interest.

22. Melania is known for her private nature, often preferring to keep a low profile. However, she has been open about her love for her family, particularly her son Barron. She has been active in his life, ensuring he felt included among his step-siblings and avoiding the use of nannies whenever possible.
23. Upon marrying Donald Trump, Melania became the stepmother to his four children: Donald Trump Jr., Eric Trump, Ivanka Trump, and Tiffany Trump. She especially bonded with Tiffany, who was six when Melania began dating her father.
24. Melania's style has been compared to that of iconic First Lady Jackie Kennedy. Her elegance and grace have influenced fashion trends both during and after her time in the White House.

Media and Public Perception

Melania's time in the public eye has not been without its challenges and controversies.

25. Melania received significant media coverage during Donald Trump's presidential campaign. She faced criticism for her husband's behavior and personal scandals, including the release of erotic photos from her modeling years and allegations of plagiarism in her speech at the 2016 Republican National Convention.
26. Melania faced several controversies during her tenure as First Lady. One notable incident was the plagiarism accusation regarding the "Be Best" campaign booklet, which was nearly identical to a document published by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) in 2014. Her office responded by criticizing the press for reporting on the issue.
27. Despite the controversies, Melania maintained a generally positive public image. She was far more popular than her husband, with polls showing her approval rating standing at 36 or 37% in the months leading up to becoming First Lady in January 2017.

Diplomatic and Cultural Engagements

Melania's role as First Lady also involved significant diplomatic and cultural engagements.

28. As First Lady, Melania accompanied President Trump on numerous international visits, meeting with foreign diplomats, heads of state, and their spouses. She shared solutions to issues impacting children globally, showcasing her diplomatic skills.
29. Melania hosted several cultural events during her time in the White House. One notable event was the luncheon for International Women's Day on March 8, 2017, where she spoke about her life as a female immigrant and the importance of gender equality.
30. In May 2017, the Trumps visited Vatican City. Melania, as a Catholic, received a blessing from Pope Francis and placed flowers at the feet of a statue of the Madonna at the Vatican's Bambino Gesù children's hospital.

Post-White House Life

After leaving the White House, Melania continued to engage in various activities and maintain her public presence.

31. During a visit to Israel in May 2017, Melania fell behind from the group while walking with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The incident highlighted her independent streak and received significant press coverage.
32. Melania has made occasional paid speaking appearances since leaving the White House. She has also founded a scholarship program for foster children and minted a line of Apollo 11-themed non-fungible tokens, although the latter was not in compliance with NASA's image use policy.
33. After leaving the White House, Melania returned to Mar-a-Lago, where she could live while avoiding public attention. She retained one White House advisor, Marcia Lee Kelly, to help her during the post-presidency. Melania kept in contact with her successor Jill Biden and has exchanged birthday cards with her.

Business Ventures and Legacy

Melania's influence extends beyond her time as First Lady, with various business ventures and a lasting legacy.

34. Melania has been involved in various business ventures, including launching her own jewelry collection in 2010. She also released a book titled “Melania Trump: The Art of Her Deal” in 2012, which provides insights into her life and experiences.
35. Melania's educational background includes a degree in design and architecture from the University of Ljubljana in Slovenia. This degree has influenced her design choices and philanthropic work, particularly in the area of children's welfare.
36. Melania's ability to speak multiple languages—Slovenian, English, French, Serbian, and German—has been an asset in her diplomatic and philanthropic endeavors. Her language skills have allowed her to connect with people from diverse backgrounds and cultures.
37. Before becoming First Lady, Melania was involved in various philanthropic initiatives. She served as Honorary Chairwoman for the Martha Graham Dance Company and was awarded Goodwill Ambassador by the American Red Cross in 2005. These roles demonstrate her commitment to community service and supporting worthy causes.
38. Melania has always been an active member of her community. She has been involved with organizations like the Boys’ Club of New York and was named Woman of the Year in 2006 by the Police Athletic League. These roles showcase her dedication to helping others and making a positive impact.
39. As First Lady, Melania focused on public service, particularly in the area of children's welfare. She used her platform to raise awareness about critical issues affecting young people and to promote positive change through initiatives like "Be Best".
40. During Donald Trump's presidential campaign, Melania received significant media coverage. However, she faced criticism for her husband's behavior and personal scandals, including the release of erotic photos from her modeling years and allegations of plagiarism in her speech at the 2016 Republican National Convention.
41. Melania hosted several significant events during her tenure as First Lady. One notable event was the luncheon for International Women's Day on March 8, 2017, where she spoke about her life as a female immigrant and the importance of gender equality.
42. As First Lady, Melania accompanied President Trump on numerous international visits. She met with foreign diplomats, heads of state, and their spouses to share solutions to issues impacting children globally. This role demonstrated her diplomatic skills and commitment to international cooperation.
43. Melania engaged in various cultural activities during her time in the White House. She hosted events that celebrated different cultures and promoted understanding between nations. This engagement helped foster a more inclusive environment in the United States.
44. Melania showed her appreciation for the military and their families by traveling to military bases domestically and overseas. She also worked with Second Lady Karen Pence to expand the American Red Cross Comfort Kit program for deployed troops.
45. In 2020, Melania honored the 100th Anniversary of the Ratification of the 19th Amendment by hosting a children’s art competition. She featured a winner from each state in the "Building the Movement Exhibit" and worked with the bipartisan Women’s Suffrage Centennial Commission to pass legislation authorizing the “Every Word We Utter” Monument in Washington, D.C.
46. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Melania used her platform to publish public service announcements promoting helpful guidance and reminders from the Center for Disease Control (CDC). She also kept in constant communication with state and local governments, foreign leaders, and developed creative online engagements with children to keep them safe at home.
47. In addition to her official efforts, Melania sent care packages and donated lunches to hospitals, local law enforcement officers, foster care facilities, and others who fought the virus from the frontlines.
48. Melania's personal style has been influential in fashion trends. Her elegance and grace have been compared to those of iconic First Lady Jackie Kennedy. Her fashion choices often reflect her cultural heritage and personal taste, making her a style icon both during and after her time in the White House.
49. Melania Trump's legacy extends beyond her time as First Lady. Her commitment to children's welfare, education, and community service has left a lasting impact. Her initiatives like "Be Best" continue to inspire positive change, and her philanthropic work remains a testament to her dedication to making the world a better place.
50. Melania's influence extends beyond her time as First Lady, with various business ventures and a lasting legacy.

Melania Trump's Lasting Impact

Melania Trump’s life is a blend of fashion, philanthropy, and public service. From her early days in Slovenia to her role as First Lady, she’s made a mark. Her "Be Best" campaign focused on children’s well-being, online safety, and opioid abuse. Fluent in five languages, she’s connected with people worldwide. Melania’s style has set trends, often compared to Jackie Kennedy. Despite controversies, she maintained a positive public image, more popular than her husband at times. Her dedication to children’s welfare and education continues to inspire. Post-White House, she’s stayed active in philanthropy and business ventures. Melania Trump’s legacy is one of elegance, commitment to important causes, and a lasting impact on society. Her journey from a small town in Slovenia to the global stage shows her resilience and dedication to making a difference.